An Evaluation of a Peer Support Program to Improve Quality of Life with Breast Cancer.
Abstract
The study will develop, implement and evaluate a volunteer peer support program for women with breast cancer which augments and complements the American Cancer Sodety's Reach to Recovery Program. Our aim is to determine whether it is worthwhile to provide a comprehensive, organizationally-specific, peer support program to women beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing for up to one year. Participants will be paired with a trained breast cancer survivor, or "buddy," who will provide her, beginning at diagnosis, with ongoing peer support in addition to specific information and skills to help her navigate the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program. Volunteers will receive the standard Reach to Recovery training, in addition to a two-day training which will train them to become breast cancer advocates. The first year has been devoted to planning and laying the groundwork for implementation of the peer support program. Activities have included: (1) hiring project staff; (2) developing both the intervention and the volunteer training; (3) forging relationships with providers and staff in the study medical centers; (4) recruiting volunteers; (5) coordinating with the American Cancer Society staff; (6) developing subject recruitment procedures; and (7) developing the questionnaires.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 28, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA299274
Entities
People
- Carol P. Somkin
Organizations
- Kaiser Foundation Research Institute