Participants’ Perceptions of Advantages and Drawbacks of “Drop-in” versus “Closed group” Formats Related to Cancer Bereavement Program Delivery

Having opportunities to access bereavement cancer support programs tailored to individual needs and preferences is central to any comprehensive people-centered cancer care. Hope & Cope, a community-based cancer support organization in Montreal, Quebec, offers professional- and volunteer-led programs in “drop-in” (open) and closed group formats. This qualitative study sought to explore contributions and potential drawbacks of open versus closed group formats as reported by bereaved participants (N = 18). Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted among participants in the drop-in (called Mourning Walk) (n = 7) and in the closed-group program (called Living with Loss) (n = 11). Interviews, lasting between 30 and 60 mins, were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes were revealed: 1) Program structure according to grief timeline, 2) Flexibility in the choice of topics and impact on grief experiences, 3) Grief support dynamics in relation to group composition. Study findings indicate that format played a significant role in participants’ experiences within the program. Formats’ strengths included tailored support in open groups (i.e., when needed) and member consistency within closed groups. Some limitations included group member turnover in open groups, and in closed groups, more or less relevant topics as the program progressed.