Integrating one-to-one peer support into psycho-oncological care in Germany: multi-perspective, mixed-methods evaluation of the isPO onco-guide service

PurposeOne-to-one peer supporters called isPO onco-guides (isPO OGs) are an integral part of the new German psycho-oncological form of care 'integrated, cross-sectoral Psycho-Oncology' (isPO), additionally to professional care. The isPO OGs are cancer survivors with experiential knowledge, offering information on local support services and answering questions 'all around cancer' to newly diagnosed cancer patients. We aimed to evaluate the isPO OG service from three perspectives: patients, isPO OGs, and professional service providers.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was pursued. We conducted interviews and focus groups with the three person groups, and applied qualitative content analysis on the reported resources, processes and outcomes regarding the isPO OG service. Relations with patients' utilisation and isPO OGs' work satisfaction were identified with regression and correlation analyses of questionnaire and isPO care data. We compared isPO care networks (CN) with X-2-tests or ANOVA. Qualitative and quantitative results were integrated during interpretation phase.ResultsQualitatively, the three person groups agreed on the benefits of the isPO OG service. The implementation's maturity differed between the CN concerning established processes and resource availability. Attitudes of professional service providers appeared to be crucial for patients' utilisation of the isPO OG service. Quantitative results emphasised the differences between the CN.ConclusionBeyond differences in the CN, the isPO OG service has two psychosocial benefits: providing relevant, reliable, and understandable information; and offering the encouraging example that surviving and living with cancer is possible.

Automated summary

The isPO OG service in Germany is an important component of integrated, cross-sectoral psycho-oncology care. Cancer survivors called isPO onco-guides provide information and support to newly diagnosed cancer patients. The service has been evaluated from the perspectives of patients, isPO OGs, and professional service providers, and has been found to have positive effects.