4297 - It's Great to Talk

Background

Anxiety and distress may be experienced by cancer patients diagnosed with melanoma throughout their diagnosis and treatment. Beaumont Hospital, Dublin is a designated cancer centre and a proposal to develop an onsite melanoma patient support group (MPSG) in collaboration with the Skin Oncology CNSp, and the Cancer Nurse, Daffodil Centre, Beaumont Hospital was agreed. Aims/Objectives: To assess the interest in attending a professionally facilitated MPSG. To ascertain what type of group would benefit most. To ascertain the themes required to meet the needs of the group. To offer a supportive, safe environment for meeting and sharing experiences. To create an awareness of the support required by patients diagnosed with melanoma.

Methods

Initial planning meeting between the Skin Oncology CNS and the Cancer Nurse, resulted in an agreement to develop a MPSG. A target population was identified and the practicalities and commitment involved in co-facilitating a support group were identified. Group governance was developed. An expression of interest letter and a questionnaire was sent to the target population, specific themes were incorporated to assist development of the support group and manage its format and content.

Results

Patient responses identified a format for the support group incorporating educational and emotional support. Group rules were established and adhered to, with regular evaluation and discussion taking place allowing change to be incorporated as required. Six meetings took place in 2018/2019.

Conclusions

Future plans include: Maintain stability of the group. Continue meeting every two months. Attract new members. Review of group by questionnaire in relation to specific patient interests.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.