Supporting Blokes – providing support for male partners of women diagnosed with breast cancer

View/ Open
Author(s)
Coyne, Elisabeth
Wallace, Kathryn
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2013
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Background There is considerable evidence indicating poor coping strategies and increased psychological distress in the male partners of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Research suggests that the needs of male partners of women with breast cancer were not being addressed. A support group for male partners was evaluated to identify its effectiveness in addressing specific needs of those within the group. Method A descriptive study was completed exploring the value of a male support groups. Evaluations completed after attendance at the support groups provided qualitative data. Results: The feedback received supports the ...
View more >Background There is considerable evidence indicating poor coping strategies and increased psychological distress in the male partners of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Research suggests that the needs of male partners of women with breast cancer were not being addressed. A support group for male partners was evaluated to identify its effectiveness in addressing specific needs of those within the group. Method A descriptive study was completed exploring the value of a male support groups. Evaluations completed after attendance at the support groups provided qualitative data. Results: The feedback received supports the premise that a formalised programme can provide male partners with the opportunity to share experiences, enhance relationships and improve coping strategies. Conclusion The "Supporting-Blokes" program has the potential to be used as a template for all health-care workers in providing psychosocial support to partners of women affected by cancer.
View less >
View more >Background There is considerable evidence indicating poor coping strategies and increased psychological distress in the male partners of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Research suggests that the needs of male partners of women with breast cancer were not being addressed. A support group for male partners was evaluated to identify its effectiveness in addressing specific needs of those within the group. Method A descriptive study was completed exploring the value of a male support groups. Evaluations completed after attendance at the support groups provided qualitative data. Results: The feedback received supports the premise that a formalised programme can provide male partners with the opportunity to share experiences, enhance relationships and improve coping strategies. Conclusion The "Supporting-Blokes" program has the potential to be used as a template for all health-care workers in providing psychosocial support to partners of women affected by cancer.
View less >
Journal Title
Australian Journal of Cancer Nursing
Volume
14
Issue
2
Publisher URI
Copyright Statement
© 2013 Cancer Nurses Society of Australia. The attached file is reproduced here in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the journal's website for access to the definitive, published version.
Subject
Clinical Nursing: Secondary (Acute Care)
Nursing
Oncology and Carcinogenesis