The impact of a psychosocial support programme on people with cancer

Abstract

Psychosocial support for people with cancer is increasingly regarded as a necessary component of cancer management. This qualitative study explores through semi-structured interviews, the reasons eleven people with cancer had for joining a psychosocial support programme. It considers difficulties they had with joining and the impact of the programme on their lives. The research reflected on relevant psychosocial cancer research focusing on various interventions currently in use. Similarities and differences between the New Zealand programme and research from Europe and the USA were discussed, but due to research differences, direct comparisons were not possible. People had more than one reason for joining the programme and the majority indicated they wanted to interact with others with cancer and acquire more information. All believed the programme had a positive impact on their lives and most had incorporated one or more intervention into their daily routine. No one intervention was more significant than another and it would appear that the group process and the social interaction were as important as any intervention. The findings lead to the recommendation that psychosocial support should be an integral component of all cancer care and treatment and that further psychosocial research in New Zealand is essential.