Benefits and challenges of cancer peer support groups: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Introduction Although cancer self‐help groups (CSHGs) have increased in importance in recent years, certain aspects have not yet been sufficiently investigated in studies to date. In particular, little is known about members' experiences in face‐to‐face peer led CSHGs. This systematic review ai...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of cancer care Vol. 31; no. 6; pp. e13700 - n/a
Main Authors: Jablotschkin, Martina, Binkowski, Lena, Markovits Hoopii, René, Weis, Joachim
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: England John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.11.2022
Subjects:
Cancer
Counseling
Disease management
Group dynamics
Humans
Leadership
Neoplasms - therapy
Peer Group
peer support
Peer tutoring
psychosocial support
qualitative methods
Qualitative Research
review
Self-Help Groups
self‐help group
Social support
Support groups
Systematic review
cancer
self-help group
qualitative methods
review
psychosocial support
peer support
ISSN:0961-5423, 1365-2354, 1365-2354
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Introduction Although cancer self‐help groups (CSHGs) have increased in importance in recent years, certain aspects have not yet been sufficiently investigated in studies to date. In particular, little is known about members' experiences in face‐to‐face peer led CSHGs. This systematic review aims to synthesise qualitative studies documenting personal experiences of CSHG members and to enlighten group processes and mechanisms. It focuses on benefits and challenges of participating in face‐to‐face CSHGs in studies based on qualitative research. Methods MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PSYNDEX were used to identify relevant studies published from January 2000 to April 2022. Results Of the 978 studies screened for eligibility, 20 studies were included in the review and were methodologically assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. All included studies consistently indicate that participation in a peer led CSHG leads to multiple perceived benefits, that is, informational support, shared experience, learning from others, helping others as well as cultivating humour as a coping strategy. Additionally, various challenges in CSHGs were identified, that is, confrontation with the suffering of others, divergent information needs, distressing group dynamics and challenging aspects concerning leadership and sustainability. Conclusion This indicates that groups need low‐threshold offers to be able to organise support in case of need.
Bibliography:Funding information
This work was self‐funded.
Martina Jablotschkin and Lena Binkowski contributed equally to this work and share first authorship.
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ObjectType-Evidence Based Healthcare-3
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ISSN:0961-5423
1365-2354
1365-2354
DOI:10.1111/ecc.13700