Oral Presentation 2025 Joint Meeting of the COSA ASM and IPOS Congress

Evaluation of a community-based cancer counselling service for people affected by cancer: A mixed method study  (126028)

Xanthia Bourdaniotis 1 2 , Katelyn Collins 1 3 , Rachael Madders 1 , Jacqui de la RUE 4 , Carol Birrell 4 , Lizzy A Johnston 1 5
  1. Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  2. School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  3. School of Psychology and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Queensland, Australia
  4. Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  5. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Purpose:  
Community-based support services are key partners in delivering 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.  

Sample and Setting: 

Clients who engaged with the service between 2021 and 2024 were invited to complete an online survey. Of 1,824 clients invited, 201 (11%) responded (64% patients, 36% caregivers; 32% born overseas; 25% living in a rural area). Additionally, 35 interviews were conducted (60% patients, 40% caregivers), with recruitment continuing until data saturation was reached.  

Procedures:  

Based on their experience with the service, survey respondents rated their level of agreement with 15 statements across 6 domains reflecting principles for recovery-oriented mental health practice. At the end of the survey, respondents could express interest in a follow-up semi-structured interview exploring their experiences with the service. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis 

Results: 

At least 75% of survey respondents agreed with 13 of the 15 statements. The highest-rated statements were related to ‘attitudes and rights’ (94%) and ‘dignity and respect’ (90%) domains, while the lowest-rated statement was related to ‘evaluating recovery’ (61%) domain. Key themes identified from the interviews 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 cancer experiences with the counsellor, iv) counselling expanded clients’ support beyond their personal networks, and v) peer support was desired in addition to counselling.  

Conclusions and Clinical Implications: 

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