A feasibility study of a peer discussion group intervention for patients with pancreatobiliary cancer and their caregivers

• Published in: Palliative & supportive care 2022-08, Vol.20 (4), p.527-534
• Main Authors: Yanai, Yuko, Makihara, Reiko Ando, Matsunaga, Naoko, Shimizu, Rieko, Tominaga, Sayaka, Hoshino, Saki, Nishibuchi, Yukiko, Maruki, Yuta, Ohba, Akihiro, Shimizu, Ken, Okusaka, Takuji
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Caregivers; Cholangiocarcinoma; Clinical medicine; Cognitive ability; Discussion groups; Feasibility studies; Group therapy; Intervention; Liver cancer; Medical diagnosis; Medical prognosis; Mental depression; Original Article; Pancreatic cancer; Peer tutoring; Questionnaires; Social support; Support groups
• ISSN: 1478-9515; 1478-9523
• DOI: 10.1017/S1478951521001474

ObjectivesThe purpose of this feasibility study was to examine the impacts of a peer discussion group intervention called “the pancreatobiliary cancer salon” on psychological distress among patients with pancreatobiliary cancer and their caregivers.MethodsWe recruited patients with pancreatic or biliary tract cancer and their caregivers. We conducted a within-group pre–post comparison study. Participants were grouped by the type of cancer and treatment. Each group consisted of four to five patients or caregivers. Hospital staff members facilitated group discussions where participants freely talked for 1 h. We evaluated participants’ psychological condition using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and their impressions of the pancreatobiliary cancer salon.ResultsWe analyzed data from 42 patients and 27 caregivers who joined the salon for the first time. Thirty-five patients (83.3%) had pancreatic cancer. Thirty-one patients (71.4%) had unresectable pancreatobiliary cancer and 14 patients (33.3%) were being treated with second-line or third-line chemotherapy at the time of the survey. Twenty-two patients (52.4%) participated in the salon within 6 months after diagnosis. Most participating caregivers were the patient's spouse/partner (51.9%) or child (34.6%). Both patients and caregivers experienced high levels of satisfaction with the pancreatobiliary cancer salon. Both patients and caregivers had significantly lower psychological distress as assessed by POMS after the salon.Significance of resultsA peer discussion group intervention might be well-received and has potential to benefit for patients with pancreatobiliary cancer and their caregivers.