Aim: There are over two million cancer survivors in the UK, many of whom report feeling under-supported, distressed and having poor quality of life. The transition from treatment to follow-up is particularly problematic. Adequate social support can buffer against negative consequences of stress, and cancer support groups have been shown to be effective in achieving this. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the ‘Living Life after Cancer Treatment’ Programme; this programme is open to all patients who have completed treatment at a local NHS funded hospital. Both patients and their spouses are invited to attend for five weeks of structured psycho-educational and support sessions.
Methods: We are currently recruiting participants into this study. Three focus groups will be conducted: one with patients completing the current iteration of the programme, one with spouses completing the current iteration, and a third of mixed patients and spouses who completed the programme six months ago. Data will be transcribed and thematically analysed using Framework Analysis.
Results: Focus groups are being held in June 2012 and all data will be analysed by September 2012 in order to inform development of the next iteration of the programme. In analysing the data we will explore: motivations for joining the programme; participant expectations form the programme; perceived strengths and weaknesses; suggested improvements; and, in the retrospective focus group, longer-term benefits of participation.
Discussion: The findings will be used to inform development of this programme for both local implementation, and to make suggestions for roll-out of similar end of treatment interventions across other cancer centres.