The Melanoma Patient Exchange: Insights from a Supportive Group Intervention for Melanoma Patients and their Caregivers

ABSTRACT

Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers worldwide, and the psychosocial impact of its diagnosis and treatment can be substantial. The authors implemented a support group for melanoma patients and caregivers to address a gap in support services. The authors describe insights from the first year of the program, including group format and dynamics, participant feedback, and satisfaction. Feedback was collected using the Group Session Rating Scale and two open-ended questions. Sixty-six members participated and responses demonstrated high satisfaction with the group (Mean = 38.7/40.0). Similar organizations may utilize these strategies to provide a support group option for their population of interest.

KEYWORDS:

• Melanoma
• support group
• cancer
• evaluation
• patient support
• caregiver support

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the melanoma patients and caregivers who participated in the Melanoma Patient Exchange and in this study. This article has not been published elsewhere and has not been submitted simultaneously for publication elsewhere.

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.