Poster Presentation 2025 National Cancer Survivorship Conference

Evaluation of a community-based cancer counselling service for people affected by cancer: A mixed method study   (#53)

Xanthia E Bourdaniotis 1 , Katelyn Collins 1 2 , Rachael Madders 1 , Jacqui de la RUE 1 , Natasha Livings 1 , Carol Birrell 1 , Lizzy A Johnston 1 3 4
  1. Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  2. School of Psychology and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Queensland, Australia
  3. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  4. Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Background: Community-based support services are key partners in the provision of optimal cancer care. This study evaluated a community-based, cancer-specific counselling service for people affected by cancer using a mixed-methods approach to explore clients’ experiences of the service.

Methods: Clients who engaged with the service between 2021-2024 were invited to complete an online survey. The survey collected demographic information and asked clients to rate their agreement level with 15 statements across 6 domains based on their experience with the service. Each statement related to a principle for recovery-oriented mental health practice. At the end of the survey, clients could indicate their interest in a semi-structured interview exploring their lived experiences of accessing and engaging with the service. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Of 1824 clients invited, 201 (11%) completed the survey (64% patients, 36% caregivers; 32% born overseas; 25% living in a rural area). At least 75% of respondents agreed with 13 of the 15 statements relating to a recovery principle. The highest-rated statements were related to the ‘attitudes and rights’ (94%) and ‘dignity and respect’ (90%) domains. The lowest-rated statements were related to the ‘evaluating recovery’ (61%) domain. Thirty-five interviews were completed (60% patients, 40% caregivers). Key themes included: i) the cancer-specific scope is a valuable component not provided by other counselling services, ii) counselling provided practical strategies and tools for coping, iii) clients felt validated through sharing their experiences with the counsellor, iv) counselling expanded clients’ support beyond their personal networks, and v) counselling did not meet the need for peer support.

Conclusions: The counselling service largely aligns with recovery principles that facilitate a recovery-oriented mental health service. Findings demonstrate that a community-based, cancer-specific counselling service can provide valuable, practical, and complementary support to both cancer patients and caregivers.