Aims: This study aims to evaluate the benefits of the Head and Neck (H&N) and Lung Cancer Peer Support Groups for patients and carers at a comprehensive cancer centre, and to identify any potential areas for improvement.
Methods: Convenience sampling was utilised to invite all eligible participants to partake in the evaluation. Eligible participants included any patient or carer who had attended at least one H&N or Lung Cancer Peer Support Group meeting. Participants completed a survey (including demographic and evaluation questions) and/or took part in a focus group. A total of 21 participants completed the survey, and 10 participants took part in a focus group session. A survey of H&N and lung cancer staff was undertaken to gain an understanding of staff awareness of the peer support groups, and to determine their opinions on the appropriateness of one-on-one peer navigation for H&N and lung cancer patients.
Results: Thematic analysis of preliminary results of both the survey and focus group data identified several benefits of group peer support including mutual sharing/identification, knowledge, connection, belonging, confidence, and self-efficacy. Participants identified the need to increase awareness of the H&N Peer Support Group amongst the H&N community. Participants from both peer support groups identified the need for support earlier in the patient’s cancer journey, ideally from time of diagnosis. Participants from the H&N peer support group also expressed a need for additional support in the form of one-on-one peer navigation. Final results will be presented at the meeting.
Conclusion: Preliminary results indicate that peer support groups benefit participants in numerous ways and indicate a need for additional peer support in the form of one-on-one peer navigation for patients with H&N cancer, ideally to be implemented at time of diagnosis.