Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Experiences and perspectives of partners of people with metastatic breast cancer in accessing support groups: A qualitative interview study   (#549)

Andrea L Smith 1 , Stephanie E Lentern 2 , Frances Boyle 3 , Sophie Lewis 2
  1. The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  3. School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Aims: Partners of people with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have complex and often unmet needs. We explored the needs, attitudes, and experiences of partners in accessing support groups and other forms of support to build an understanding of value of support groups and enablers/barriers to support group access.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews (16 male partners from across Australia). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: We report three themes: (1) connecting to those with lived experience (as a male partner of someone with MBC); (2) learning from others, including other male partners and healthcare professionals; and (3) the specific challenges of supporting male partners of people with MBC. Participants regardless of whether or not they attended a group perceived there was value in connecting to people with shared experiences. Participants reflected on the isolation and loneliness of being a partner of someone with MBC. Many non-attendees of groups believed that access to information, education and advice would be the most important aspect of support groups. In contrast, attendees largely felt connection and open conversations were more important than information. Informational support typically comprised: illness and treatment; care and support; mental health and wellbeing; finances and systems. While participants expressed similar support needs to people with MBC, unique factors existed that need to be considered when supporting male partners of people with MBC. In particular, the challenge of a group potentially shifting from a support group to a bereavement group as participants’ partners die from MBC. Factors that impeded attendance included access (available; appropriate; acceptable), sufficient existing support, preconceived ideas of support group structure and process, and challenges with bereavement in partner support groups.

Conclusion: These findings support the need for flexible partner support group models to adapt to the different support needs and preferences of partners of people with MBC.