Supportive-expressive group therapy for women with metastatic breast cancer: Improving access for Australian women through use of teleconference

Abstract

While supportive-expressive group therapy (SEGT) has been found to be effective in significantly reducing distress associated with life-threatening illness, the challenge in Australia is to develop a means of providing supportive interventions to rural women who may be isolated both by the experience of illness and by geographical location. In this study an adaptation of SEGT was provided to women with metastatic breast cancer (n =21), who attended face-to-face or by telephone conference call. Participants showed significant gains on standardised measures of well-being, including a reduction in negative affect and an increase in positive affect, over a 12-month period. A reduction in intrusive and avoidant stress symptoms was also observed over 12 months; however, this difference was not significant. These outcomes suggest that SEGT, delivered in an innovative way within a community setting, may be an effective means of moderating the adverse effects of a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer while improving access to supportive care for rural women. These results are considered exploratory, as the study did not include a matched control group.

Keywords:

• Breast cancer
• metastatic cancer
• psychosocial
• support groups
• supportive-expressive group therapy
• telephone

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge and thank our colleagues Pia Hirsch (current co-therapist), Dr Bronwen Beacham (former co-therapist and co-founder of the service), Dr Jane Turner, and Professor Patsy Yates for their contribution to the Reference Group advising the service and for their feedback on this paper, and all the women who have participated in the groups over many years. Funding for the service and ongoing evaluation has been provided by grants from the Queensland Country Women's Association, the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, and Queensland Health. Further information about this service is available at http://www.advancedbreastcancergroup.org