A one-to-one mentoring support service for breast cancer survivors. WMJ 2014 Oct;113(5):185-9
Date
03/06/2015Pubmed ID
25739161Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84927169915 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 7 CitationsAbstract
PURPOSE: ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) is a Wisconsin-based mentoring service that pairs breast cancer survivors with women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Since 1999, ABCD has trained volunteers to provide personalized information and emotional support. This review describes participants' perceptions of this survivorship program and its utility for breast cancer patients.
METHODS: ABCD conducted 3 "program effectiveness" surveys between 2002 and 2006. Surveys were conducted over the telephone and used a 5-point Likert scale to elicit evaluations of the organization, mentors, resources, and other program dimensions.
RESULTS: Survey results indicate that this model is a successful resource that could be replicated for breast cancer survivors nationally. Respondents were especially satisfied with the helpfulness of the program for them and their families, mentor confidentiality, and emotional support. Areas for improvement focused on mentee familiarity with the ABCD website and helpline and improvement in mentor knowledge. Approximately 60% of respondents would consider becoming mentors.
CONCLUSION: ABCD is a positive and successful program with consistent participant satisfaction. The program has expanded nationally to address the needs of survivors. This model could be further replicated to provide support to survivors, family, and friends at no cost.
Author List
Amin AL, Neuner J, Duthie EA, Finn VR, Kong ALAuthors
Amanda L. Kong MD, MS Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinJoan Neuner MD, MPH Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Breast NeoplasmsFemale
Humans
Mentors
Patient Education as Topic
Patient Satisfaction
Peer Group
Program Evaluation
Social Support
Surveys and Questionnaires
Survivors
Wisconsin