NS-63: Adapting and improving a Myeloma Support group during the pandemic

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> The COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely challenging for myeloma patients and their families. Avenues of support previously available were closed and our regular Myeloma support group was unable to meet. Patients' anxiety levels higher than ever before, we looked at new methods of contact, communication, information and support. Aims: To transfer our longstanding support group to a virtual platform and to maintain the level of access, provision and quality of care throughout the pandemic. <h3>Methods</h3> An anonymised patient email group was created with weekly email contact, shielding guidance, webinar and support group invitations. Clinical Nurse Specialists facilitated the virtual support group via Microsoft teams. Prior to engaging in events patients were advised of online safety measures and a consent form was given. At the start of each meeting we explained to patients how to utilise the online platform in a straightforward way, including chat function and hand raising. A survey was created to evaluate patients' experience in this new virtual format and provide us with both qualitative and quantitative statistics. <h3>Results</h3> We compared satisfaction ratings of the virtual group to meetings in the previous 2 years. Comparably 100% of attendees indicated that support was beneficial whether in person or virtually. 94% agreed that they felt better supported from attending the face to face group last year in comparison with 100% of patients in the virtual meetings. 89% of attendees agreed they benefited from meeting others living with myeloma during meetings last year compared to 100% of patients in virtual meetings. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The support group evolved over the course of the pandemic in response to patient need and feedback. Many virtual educational events were created with leading specialists discussing the international impact of COVID19 on Myeloma patients around the world and later the vaccine effect in our patients. We looked at empowering our patients shielding at home by creating separate webinars with a physiotherapist, a psychologist and a pain specialist. Through these webinars they received tools and coping mechanisms. A much needed subgroup for younger Myeloma patients in their 30's and 40's was also created due to the rising numbers of patients in this age-group and their unique issues. There have been many positives to the virtual platform including larger capacity (60+ patients in attendance at some events) and increased frequency (at least monthly). On surveying, there was 100% satisfaction and 66% of patients were indifferent to returning to ‘in person' meetings in the future proving that quality is still being attained. It was challenging to provide support over a different medium and we were apprehensive that the change in method would alienate or discourage patients. However as one of our patients stated, ‘This is all unchartered territory and your calm expertise is even more welcome than usual'.