title: Impact of a residential psychosocial program for cancer patients: a focus group investigation.
abstract: Focus groups of past program participants were conducted to explore the impact of a novel residential psychosocial intervention for cancer patients. All participants had attended the program between 6 months and 1 year prior to the study. The intention was to elicit a broad range of feedback regarding the program's effects on people living with cancer. Of particular interest was the assessment of lasting outcomes for participants, and possibilities for program improvement. This article reports the substantive understanding resulting from these focus groups, and discusses the beneficial impact, effective program characteristics, and controversial issues of residential psychosocial programming.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta.
authors.forename: Maureen J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Angen
authors.forename: J Steven A
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: MacRae
authors.forename: Marilyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hundleby
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D012112:Residential Facilities; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D013997:Time Factors