Multidimensional peer support in health care: Breast cancer patients’ perspectives on interaction with peer supporters

Abstract

Purpose: Peer support can help in challenging coping with breast cancer. This research is studying the peer support interaction within the health care system. The aim is to describe how breast cancer patients present themselves and peer supporters in peer support interaction and what kind of interactional relationships are constructed. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Helsinki University Hospital. The patients had three types of opportunities to meet peer supporters during their hospital visits. The study intervention offered patients an additional way to meet their peer supporters over the phone. Five group interviews were conducted among 18 patients. In this study, framing analysis was applied in interactional approaches to framing. The focus was on how the meaning of issues, identities, and interaction processes were framed between people. Results: The analysis revealed three frames, and the identities of patients and peer supporters included within those frames. In the hesitance frame, the patient identities questioned the patients' need for peer support interaction. In the unconditionality frame, the identities of the patients indicated that patients saw themselves in the main role of the interaction. In the frame of connection, patients’ descriptions indicated reciprocal respect and understanding. Conclusions: Peer support interaction is a multidimensional process. The patients’ needs and abilities to communicate with peer supporters are individual and changing over time. Supporting the autonomy of patients improves the trust in interaction. Hence, peer support should be available at several physical and temporal places and in multiple ways.