To understand prostate cancer (PCa) specialists' views about prostate cancer support groups (PCSGs), a volunteer sample of Canada-based PCa specialists (n = 150), including urologists (n = 100), radiation oncologists (n = 40), and medical oncologists (n = 10) were surveyed.
The 56-item questionnaire used in this study included six sets of attitudinal items to measure prostate cancer specialists' beliefs about positive and negative influences of PCSGs, reasons for attending PCSGs, the attributes of effective PCSGs, and the value of face-to-face and web-based PCSGs. In addition, an open-ended question was included to invite additional input from participants. Results showed that PCSGs were positively valued, particularly for information sharing, education and psychosocial support. Inclusivity, privacy, and accessibility were identified as potential barriers, and recommendations were made for better marketing PCSGs to increase engagement. Findings suggest prostate cancer specialists highly valued the role and potential benefits of face-to-face PCSGs. Information provision and an educational role were perceived as key benefits. Some concerns were expressed about the ability of web-based PCSGs to effectively engage and educate men who experience prostate cancer.
Written by:
Oliffe JL, Chambers S, Garrett B, Bottorff JL, McKenzie M, Han CS, Ogrodniczuk JS. Are you the author?
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia; University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada and Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver Cancer Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Reference: Am J Mens Health. 2014 Jul 24. pii: 1557988314543510.
doi: 10.1177/1557988314543510
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25061087
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