Clinicians' attitudes to prostate cancer peer-support groups

Steginga, Suzanne K., Smith, David P., Pinnock, Carole, Metcalfe, Robyn, Gardiner, Robert A. and Dunn, Jeff (2007) Clinicians' attitudes to prostate cancer peer-support groups. British Journal of Urology International, 99 1: 68-71.


Author Steginga, Suzanne K.
Smith, David P.
Pinnock, Carole
Metcalfe, Robyn
Gardiner, Robert A.
Dunn, Jeff
Title Clinicians' attitudes to prostate cancer peer-support groups
Journal name British Journal of Urology International  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank C)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2007-01
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2006.06545.x
Volume number 99
Issue number 1
ISSN 1464-4096
Start page 68
End page 71
Total pages 4
Editor J. Fitzpatrick
Place of publication Oxford, U.K.
Publisher Blackwell Publishing
Collection year 2008
Language eng
Subject 321012 Nephrology and Urology
730115 Urogenital system and disorders
C1
1112 Oncology and Carcinogenesis
170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology
Abstract OBJECTIVE: To assess clinicians' knowledge and attitudes to prostate cancer peer-support groups, essential in improving support services for men with prostate cancer, as patients' perceptions of their clinicians' attitudes to such groups predict patients' positive and negative perceptions of their experiences at such groups. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In all, 36 clinicians (75% response) across Australia, of whom 27 were urologists and nine were radiation oncologists, were interviewed in-depth using a key-informant approach. Nine clinicians were from regional Australia, with the remaining 27 from major metropolitan settings. Subsequently, 30 clinicians (69% response) completed surveys to confirm identified themes. RESULTS: Peer support was rated positively by most clinicians and most report a fair to good knowledge of such groups. However, less than a quarter regularly refer their patients to these groups. While clinicians can describe positive aspects of peer support, many are concerned that biased viewpoints and misinformation within these groups might potentially contribute to patients' decisional uncertainty and regret. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to establish for whom these support groups are most helpful. Concerns about misleading information that might be proffered in support groups is a barrier to clinician referral to these groups. Dialogue between prostate cancer interest groups and clinicians to resolve concerns presents as a key strategy to improve support for men with prostate cancer.
Keyword *Attitude of Health Personnel
Attitude to Health
Australia
Humans
Male
Patient Satisfaction
Peer Group
Prostatic Neoplasms/*psychology
Questionnaires
*Self-Help Groups
peer support
clinicians attitudes
support groups
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code

 
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Created: Fri, 07 Mar 2008, 10:14:44 EST