Background

Evidence suggests that medical professionals have a low level of confidence in referring patients to peer led prostate cancer support groups.  Despite this, as of August 2012, 131 prostate cancer support groups are “affiliated” with and recognised by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and approximately 90 percent are peer led.   Through a three year grant from the Commonwealth Government of Australia entitled, “Supporting men with prostate cancer through evidence-based information and support”, PCFA is charged with improving and growing the network of PCFA Affiliated Groups.

Purpose

Gain a thorough understanding of peer led supportive care throughout the PCFA Affiliated Group network and to translate existing evidence based group work practice into realistic, strengths based training model for community led peer support in the group context. 

Methods

PCFA has established an Expert Advisory Panel (EAP) to assist in steering this work.  An HREC approved questionnaire was utilised to interview existing PCFA Affiliated Support Group leaders to ascertain their background, skills and existing group leadership training levels and knowledge.  In addition, a panel of PCFA paid staff and volunteer peer group leaders participated in a workshop to brainstorm and develop a meaningful and practical suite of training materials that are relevant to the current practice and skill levels of Affiliated Group peer leaders.

Results

Key areas to help improve the network of PCFA Affiliated Groups have been identified through the questionnaire and workshop have revealed the level and pitch of training that may be meaningful and useful for the network.   

Conclusion

This model of training, developing and supporting community based peer leaders is designed to meet the community “where it is” and lead them to improved practice.  This model aims to increase the confidence and competence of peer leaders and improve the confidence in medical professional referrals to peer led groups.