An Evaluation of a Peer Support Program to Improve Quality of Life with Breast Cancer
Abstract
The objective of this study is to 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 were paired with a trained breast cancer survivor who provided them with ongoing peer support, in addition to specific information and skills to help them navigate the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program. Study volunteers received the standard Reach to Recovery training, in addition to a two-day skills training which prepared them to become breast cancer peer support volunteers and advocates. The fourth year of this study was devoted to collection, processing and preliminary analysis of 3- and 12-month data. In addition we developed and administered a volunteer survey; continued volunteer support and supervision; and edited the volunteer training manual. We have obtained a no cost extension in order to finish collection of the 12-month follow-up questionnaires, complete the analysis on the entire sample and write up the results for the final report and for publication.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA358461
Entities
People
- Carol P. Somkin
Organizations
- Kaiser Foundation Research Institute