title: The value of prostate cancer support groups: a pilot study of primary physicians' perspectives.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Canada, prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common male cancer, and prostate cancer support groups (PCSGs) have prevailed for more than 20 years providing support to men with PCa and their families. While the format, focus and benefits of attending PCSGs have been reported little is known about primary physicians' (PPs) perceptions of these groups. This article describes Canadian primary physicians' views about face-to-face and web-based PCSGs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Canadian based primary physicians (n = 140) attending a 2012 Continuing Medical Education Conference participated in a pilot survey questionnaire study. The 56-item questionnaire used in this study included six sets of attitudinal items to measure primary physicians' beliefs about positive and negative influences of PCSGs, reasons for attending PCSGs, the attributes of effective PCSGs, and the value of face-to-face and web-based PCSGs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed that PCSGs were positively valued, particularly for information sharing, education and psychosocial support. Poor inclusivity, privacy, and accessibility were identified as potential barriers, and recommendations were made for better marketing and web-based PCSGs to increase engagement with potential attendees.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest PPs highly valued the role and potential benefits of PCSGs. Information provision and an educational role were perceived as key benefits amid the need to improve local and provincial marketing of PCSGs. The potential for web-based PCSGs to help in the support of PCa patients was also recognized.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, V6T 2B5 Vancouver, BC, Canada. Bernie.garrett@nursing.ubc.ca.
authors.forename: Bernard M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Garrett
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Oliffe
authors.forename: Joan L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Bottorff
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McKenzie
authors.forename: Christina S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: John S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Ogrodniczuk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D055815:Young Adult