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Peer Support Resources for People Affected by Cancer
All people affected by cancer need support. Their burdens and concerns can often be best addressed by someone who has experienced or dealt with cancer. In this issue, we would like to bring your attention to Cancer Connect in Victoria, an Australian cancer peer support model and an active member of the Chronic Illness Alliance Peer Support Network. Here we also highlight the Best Practice Framework, a well-developed resource by the Chronic Illness Alliance Peer Support Network for volunteer-based peer support organizations. |
Program Spotlight
Serving People Affected by Cancer - Cancer Connect in Victoria, Australia
Every day in Victoria, Australia, 76 people are diagnosed with cancer. For every new diagnosis there are thousands more family and friends affected by the news. They, too, carry the burden of cancer and need support. Understanding the demand of peer support and gaps in services addressing the concerns, Cancer Connect in Victoria strategically utilizes a targeted telephone-based peer support intervention, including trained volunteers who have been through a similar cancer experience plus assistance in volunteer matching. Their experience could be helpful for programs targeting hard-to-reach populations or those with very specific needs. [Read more]
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Program Resources
Best Practice Framework
Stanford Self-Management Programs’ Program Fidelity Manual
This manual developed by the Stanford Patient Education Research Center provides resources and guidelines to track how closely program staff, peer supporters and others follow the program protocols and plans. Although it is written based on the Stanford Self-Management Program model, the manual has helpful insight into peer support programs in general. [Read more]
This manual is also listed on the Peers for Progress website under Evaluate Peer Support - Process Evaluation.
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Research Briefs
Adaptation of the Cancer Connect in Victoria’s
Peer Supporter Training
Kinnane et al. evaluated a volunteer training program to provide face-to-face peer support in a hospital-based cancer center. This was adapted from a program of the Cancer Council Victoria Cancer Connect, which is for telephone-based peer support. (Supportive Care in Cancer, Jan 2011) [Full abstract]
Integrating CHWs into Primary Care Teams in a Medical Home
Volkmann and Castañares evaluated the services and social support offered by community health workers (CHWs) to patients with chronic diseases like diabetes and pregnant women in a medical home and how they affected the care team's ability to deliver efficient, effective primary care. ( Journal of Ambulatory Care Management, Jul-Sep 20110) [Full abstract]
Telephone Peer Support for Women with Gynaecological Cancer
This qualitative study by Pistrang et al. found telephone peer support shares common features such as helping address concerns of women with gynaecological cancer and adopting changes faced by cancer survivors. Effective support uniquely relies on how well peer supporters can work with their peers. (Psychooncology, Jul 2011) [Full abstract]
Peer Support for Parents of Children Newly Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes
Ellen et al. found trained parent mentors are helpful to parents of children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The qualitative data also indicated that the parent mentors’ availability and ability to provide practical tips and understand the mentees’ experience are important. (Diabetes Educator, Jul-Aug 2011) [Full abstract]
Cost of Individual Peer Counseling for the Promotion of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Uganda
Chola et al. examined the cost of a peer support intervention to 406 breastfeeding mothers in Uganda. The results suggested using peer support to promote exclusive breastfeeding in sub-Saharan Africa is feasible and can be implemented at a sustainable cost. (Cost Effectiveness and Resources Allocation, Jun 2011) [Full abstract]
CHW Intervention among African American and Latino Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
A RCT by Spencer et al. utilized community health workers (CHWs) to provide African American and Latino adults with type 2 diabetes self-management education and support - regular home visits, and accompanying participants to a clinic visit . The intervention group had significantly greater improvements in HbA1c levels and self-reported diabetes understanding, compared with the control group. (American Journal of Public Health, June 2011) [Full abstract]
Ongoing Support and Services Helps Improve Mental Health Outcomes
A recent systematic review on peer-delivered services for severe psychiatric disabilities by Rogers et al. suggested peer supporters can deliver effective services in a group context especially when the groups meet regularly and are being supportive. This review was conducted by The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation with support from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research [Read the review]
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Funding, Training & Abstract Opportunities
CIHR’s Grants
DEADLINE: August 15, 2011 (Registration)
The Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) seeks Canadian investigator-initiated project applications to address CIHR’s priority areas, including diabetes, obesity, HIV/AIDS, and more. This is a great opportunity for Canadian-based peer support research. These awards are up to $100k for up to 1 year. [More info]
NIDDK Research Project Grants
DEADLINE: September 25, 2011
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) seeks investigator-initiated project applications to address scientific areas related to diabetes, kidney diseases and more, as well as new approaches to prevent, treat and cure these diseases. Both US-based and non-US based organizations are eligible to apply. These awards are up to $6.25 million for up to five years. [More info]
NIDDK Research Education Grants
DEADLINE: September 25, 2011
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) seeks proposals to create educational opportunities to attract undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows to careers in areas of biomedical or behavioral research of particular interest to the NIDDK (e.g., diabetes). Only US-based organizations are eligible. These awards are up to $500K for up to five years. [More info]
Australian Community Campaigns Grants
DEADLINE: September 30, 2011
The Australian Department of Health and Aging seeks ideas for local community initiatives and programs to promote messages regarding chronic disease prevention and healthy lifestyle choices. [More info]
Call for Abstract- Lay Health Promoters/Community Health Workers
DEADLINE: August 2, 2011
The journal Family & Community Health will produce an issue on lay health promoters/community health workers (CHW) also known as lay health workers, village health workers, promotoras, etc. The Issue Co-Editors are Elizabeth Reifsnider, Elnora (Nonie) P. Mendias, and Yolanda R. Davila, at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing in Galveston, Texas. [More info]
Electronic submission to nmendias@utmb.edu
and yrdavila@utmb.edu
Call for abstracts- SBM’s 33rd Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions
DEADLINE: Sept 13, 2011
The abstract submission for the Society of Behavioral Medicine's (SBM) Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions is now open. [More info]
Visit Peers for Progress Funding Opportunities for a complete listing of current funding & training opportunities
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Video from Kuala Lumpur Meetings
Cancer Council Victoria - Australia
Trish Waters Not "One-Size-Fits-All"... Generalizability of Peer Support Programs Across Cultural, Organizational, National, and Setting Features
View Presentation Slides | |
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