Someone To Turn To (June 2003)
Group or Institution
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
Author(s)
Shannin Foote, Marion Govind, Jo Halsey, Rose Jerome, Jennifer Kendall and Paula Kingston (Tutor: Margaret Couch)
Abstract
This report was compiled by a group of Waikato Institute of Technology nursing students, as part of a second year Community Health Systems paper.
The project group worked in collaboration with key informants of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Division of the Cancer Society, to identify the support needs of people with cancer, and those areas where further improvements could be made.
In addition, research was necessary to establish the support needs deemed as being important by those with cancer.
The project group reviewed the available literature, and key people were interviewed to obtain relevant material about the support services currently available. Two focus groups were conducted, one with those staying at the Lions Cancer Lodge, and another with the Breast Cancer Support Group members. This allowed for varying perspectives from those who had experienced the support available.
An analysis of the data collected from the focus group discussions supported the need for a staff member to act in the capacity of a liaison/support person. It is recommended that this person be able to provide assistance and information to people with cancer, upon request. A lack of information was also seen as a barrier, as was information not being readily accessible. These factors were all seen as contributing to the lack of knowledge of support services available.
Financial hardship was another concern sited by a number of participants. Again, a lack of knowledge due to inadequate information was identified as the main factor contributing to this. Many people were unaware of the financial grants available from the Cancer Society.
Overall, the project identified the need for further in-depth studies to be conducted into support and information needs of people with cancer, and their families.
A full copy of the report is available from:
Research Connections
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