When the CNS needs help establishing a women's support group: getting the most from the consultation process.

Support groups are an effective intervention strategy to address the unique psychosocial needs of women in transition. The task of establishing a support group can be overwhelming for the CNS who possesses expertise in women's health but not in establishing a support group. Securing the services of an external nurse consultant with experience in group process and project management skills is an invaluable resource to the CNS in charge of developing a formal proposal, setting goals and planning actions, and/or implementing and evaluating interventions. The CNS's role as a consumer of the formal consultation process is addressed.