SP-01 * PEER-TO-PEER SUPPORT: A NEW WAY TO ASSIST CAREGIVERS

Abstract

The UCSF Neuro-Oncology Clinic provides treatment recommendations and care for patients with newly-diagnosed and recurrent central nervous system tumors. Due to the nature of the illness, the caregiver of the patient often has the responsibility of managing the patient's health, in addition to attending to their daily needs. Significant life changes may occur for the caregiver. The impetus of implementing the Neuro-Oncology Caregiver-to-Caregiver Peer Support Program was these observed stresses. Numerous studies have shown how peer support between patients has improved the patients' quality of life. Extrapolating this for caregivers, goals of the program include: reduction of anxiety and isolation, allowing for the exchange of navigational information and coping strategies, improving emotional support, indirectly improving the quality of life of the patient by improving the support network of the caregiver, and improving patient and caregiver satisfaction of clinic services. The peer support program allows caregivers to talk with experienced caregivers of brain tumor patients without exchanging medical advice. These experienced caregivers are formally trained by UCSF staff as peer volunteers in topics concerning confidentiality, peer support skills, and caregiver resources. Intake of peer support requests and matching is conducted by a staff member. The mode of communication is primarily over the phone, which can benefit those that do not have time to meet in person or for those that live a far distance from the clinic or peer support volunteer. The desire to obtain peer support is high. However, available time to participate is minimal due to caregiver burden, resulting in 12 matches to date. This is a novel program and collection of data will be administered at year 2 from implementation, using tools such as questionnaires, and pre- and post-surveys for both the volunteers and the caregivers seeking support.