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ProsCan for Couples: a feasibility study for evaluating peer support within a controlled research design
Author(s) -
Chambers Suzanne K.,
Schover Leslie,
Halford Kim,
Ferguson Megan,
Gardiner RA,
Occhipinti Stefano,
Dunn Jeff
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.2110
Subject(s) - focus group , peer support , prostate cancer , coping (psychology) , psychology , distress , human sexuality , session (web analytics) , peer review , peer group , protocol (science) , research design , social psychology , psychotherapist , medicine , cancer , alternative medicine , computer science , psychiatry , gender studies , social science , pathology , marketing , sociology , world wide web , political science , law , business
Background The present study assessed the feasibility of delivering peer support for couples coping with prostate cancer within a trial design. Methods/Design Ten peer volunteers completed training in research protocols and delivering tele‐based couples support to men with prostate cancer and their partners. Twenty couples received an eight session intervention and were assessed before surgery and 3 and 6 months subsequently for adjustment outcomes. A focus group investigated the peers' experiences. Results Peers were motivated by altruism, a belief in research, and reported personal growth. The research protocol at times conflicted with lay models of helping, and the focus on sexuality and couples was challenging. Distress decreased over time but more so for partners; unmet sexuality needs did not improve. Conclusion Peer support appears promising as a model to support couples facing prostate cancer. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.