Peer-Support in Oncology: A Qualitative Study of Caregivers Perception in a Cancer CenterOA

This study aimed to gather healthcare professionals’expectations and reluctance toward peer support in a cancer center.Semistructured interviews were conducted among 12 professionals,recruited in different professions.The interviews were fully transcribed,and a thematic analysis was then conducted.Of the data analysis,three main themes about professionals’expectations emerged:the need for the strongest support of the patients,to break the isolation in the sickness,and to enhance the care system.Three main themes also emerged from the data analysis about professionals’reluctances:the limitations related to the intervention of the peer-workers,the psychological issues of the relationship,and institutional barriers to the implementation of peer-support interventions.Our study shows that peer support could be a response to the expectations of healthcare professionals’,but its implementation should consider their reluctance.