Mp02-01 "Doctor 1 Put Me in Touch With a Former Patient... Of My Experience Through It, I Think She Helped Me the Most": Peer Support as an Invaluable Resource in the Setting of Bladder Cancer Surgery

You have accessJournal of UrologyHealth Services Research: Quality Improvement & Patient Safety I (MP02)1 May 2024MP02-01 "DOCTOR 1 PUT ME IN TOUCH WITH A FORMER PATIENT... OF MY EXPERIENCE THROUGH IT, I THINK SHE HELPED ME THE MOST": PEER SUPPORT AS AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE IN THE SETTING OF BLADDER CANCER SURGERY Erica Zeng, Alexa Rose, Bhabna Pati, Megan Saucke, Taviah Levenson, Michael Risk, Daniel D. Shapiro, Tudor Borza, E. Jason Abel, David F. Jarrard, Esra Alagoz, and Kyle A. Richards Erica ZengErica Zeng , Alexa RoseAlexa Rose , Bhabna PatiBhabna Pati , Megan SauckeMegan Saucke , Taviah LevensonTaviah Levenson , Michael RiskMichael Risk , Daniel D. ShapiroDaniel D. Shapiro , Tudor BorzaTudor Borza , E. Jason AbelE. Jason Abel , David F. JarrardDavid F. Jarrard , Esra AlagozEsra Alagoz , and Kyle A. RichardsKyle A. Richards View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001008600.97797.3b.01AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Peers, or those who previously experienced bladder cancer diagnoses and cystectomy with diversion, are an interesting group to explore when assessing patient experiences. Since they may offer a unique opportunity as an educational yet emotional resource, we sought to utilize feedback to understand how peer support benefits bladder cancer patients. METHODS: We conducted 5 focus groups of patients with bladder cancer treated with cystectomy and urinary diversion (n=17). Groups were separated by gender and diversion. Using a standardized script, questions aimed to elucidate areas of improvement. Transcripts were assessed using the Sort & Sift analysis method, with insights directing the creation of a flexible NVivo codebook. Thematic summaries were drawn from individual codes and higher-level analyses characterized salient findings. RESULTS: Throughout the interviews, patients often mentioned the key role of peers in 3 areas: decision making, information seeking, and support. Patients often shared how the ease of access to peers online or in-person contributed to high utilization. They found peers via connections from family and friends, Facebook community groups, or websites like the Cancer Survivors Network. Those that were offered it, frequently took advantage of their surgeon connecting them to a prior patient. This allowed them to ask surgeon and hospital specific questions, compare this information to online narratives, and come to decisions on diversions and proceeding with surgery. Patients frequently turned to peers following surgery, seeking answers around complications and tips and tricks for adjusting. They sometimes found that their peers even filled a supportive role, particularly having experienced similar events themselves. CONCLUSIONS: Of the many areas that affect patients' experiences, peers were often brought up as important informational resources and supports. Notably, many patients expressed desires to reciprocate help they received, by serving as aids either through online activity or by working with their surgeon. Surgeons may engage with past patients to develop a readily accessible peer support network to offer to new patients in an aim to improve their experiences and quality outcomes. Source of Funding: Wisconsin Urologic Research Institute © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e12 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Erica Zeng More articles by this author Alexa Rose More articles by this author Bhabna Pati More articles by this author Megan Saucke More articles by this author Taviah Levenson More articles by this author Michael Risk More articles by this author Daniel D. Shapiro More articles by this author Tudor Borza More articles by this author E. Jason Abel More articles by this author David F. Jarrard More articles by this author Esra Alagoz More articles by this author Kyle A. Richards More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...