Exploratory Study for the Promotion of Cooperation between Peer Counselors and Healthcare Providers in Cancer Care

Abstract

Abstract

Purposes: To clarify elements related to promoting cooperation between peer counselors and healthcare pro viders in cancer care based on peer counselorsʼ experiences and feelings and to explore strategies for promoting such cooperation. Method: We conducted semi-structured interviews with six peer counselors who were members of the NPO cancer patients support organization in Japan and who were in charge of peer counseling at a cancer consultation support center. We then qualitatively and inductively analyzed their responses. Results: There were three strategies that promoted cooperation between peer counselors and healthcare pro viders in cancer care: “formation of a membership system in medical care teams,” “improvement of peer counsel ing mindsets and skills,” and “enhancement of counseling environment and services.” Discussion: As a result of examining the association of each category, forming membership systems in medi cal care teams and improving peer counseling mindsets were considered core strategies for promoting coopera tion. These two categories influenced each other because demonstrating a peer counseling mindset accelerated peer counselors presence in the medical care team and allowed them to play an important part. It was also shown that the need to improve infrastructure of the counseling environment and services is a fundamental strategy for promoting cooperation. Conclusion: Useful strategies for promoting cooperation between peer counselors and healthcare providers in cancer care are required to maintain an adequate environment for the peer counselors to work, to better under stand aspects that lead to the ambivalence of peer counselors, and to improve the motivation of peer counselors.