Mapping peer-support programs in French oncology hospitals: A mixed-method study

Peer support in oncology has the potential to improve patients' quality of life and experience of care. Some programs are emerging, but lack of structured and clear guidelines impairs the systematic integration of this approach. We aimed to map and describe peer-support programs in oncology in France and explore facilitators and barriers.

We conducted a national cross-sectional study using a mixed-methods design. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews targeting accompanying patients (APs), healthcare professionals (HPs) and managers. Programs were identified through purposive sampling in academic teaching hospitals, general hospitals, and cancer centers. We describe quantitative data and conducted a thematic analysis of interviews.

Among 288 institutions contacted, 88 responded, leading to the identification of 39 peer-support programs. Most programs provided individual (91.2%), face-to-face support, with occasional use of remote modalities. APs training was reported in 76.9% of programs, often delivered externally. Support, coordination and/or supervision mechanisms were available in 79.5% of programs but varied in frequency and format. One-third of programs had been evaluated. Institutional support was present in 76.5% of cases but often relied on individual leadership rather than formal policy. Key barriers included unclear role definitions, limited integration into care teams, lack of standardized training and supervision, and the absence of a formal status or funding framework.

Peer support in oncology is expanding in France but remains fragmented and weakly institutionalized. National guidelines, standardized implementation tools, and sustainable funding mechanisms are needed to support equitable and durable integration into cancer care.