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 newly diagnosed with breast cancer. This program augments and complements the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery Program. Our primary aim is to determine the value of providing a comprehensive, organizationally-specific, peer support program to women beginning at diagnosis and continuing for up to one year. Participants are paired with a trained breast cancer survivor or 'buddy', who provides them with ongoing peer support, in addition to specific information and skills to help them navigate the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program. Study volunteers receive the standard Reach to Recovery training in addition to a twoday skills training which prepares them to become breast cancer peer support volunteers and advocates. The second year has been devoted to implementation of the peer support program in five medical centers. Activities have included: (1) recruiting, interviewing and training volunteers; (2) providing support to volunteers; (3) training medical center staff at each site to assist project staff with recruitment; (4) recruiting participants; (5) matching volunteers with study participants; (6) developing systems of communication for project staff; and (7) developing and utilizing a computer-based system for tracking patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA315957
Entities
People
- Carol P. Somkin
Organizations
- Kaiser Foundation Research Institute