Community based cancer support groups: an undervalued resource?

A pilot study was set up and to identify the local community based cancer support groups and to examine the links these groups and the staff of the regional and district general hospitals. The objective was to evaluate the current role of cancer support groups and identify strategies which would improve communication. Results of the study indicated that local support groups played an important role in providing support to cancer patients in the community. Hospital staff were not well informed about support groups and felt uncertain about their use as a resource for patients. There was a need to improve communication between local cancer support groups and hospital staff in order to offer a more comprehensive service to patients. Any strategies developed to improve communication depend on finding ways in which lay care and professional health care can work together. Specific recommendations were made as a result of the research and a number of initiatives undertaken, including a local directory of community resources and a forum where representatives from the local support groups can meet with hospital staff.