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Self-help groups
1Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre (T-SRCC). Ross_Gray@cancercare.on.ca
Objective:
To assess Ontario family physicians' attitudes toward, awareness of, and practices related to self-help groups in general and cancer self-help groups specifically.
Design:
Mailed survey using a modified Dillman method.
Setting:
Ontario family practices.
Participants:
A random sample of 1500 Ontario members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, of whom 949 responded. A total of 911 completed questionnaires were received, for an eligible response rate of 64%.
Main Outcome Measures:
Physician demographics, practice characteristics; extent of awareness of self-help groups and their perceived value; attitudes toward self-help groups; practices related to interactions with patients about self-help groups.
Results:
Only 40.2% of respondents were aware of six or more self-help groups in their region; 56.8% were aware of at least one cancer self-help group. Discussions with patients about groups were reported as occurring "frequently" by 12% of respondents, who indicated they made referrals to an array of groups. Ratings of group helpfulness were relatively high (83.8% scoring 3, 4, or 5 on a 5-point scale, where 5 is "very helpful"). There were low ratings of potential harm (1% scoring 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale, where 5 is "very harmful"). Confidence intervals for proportions reported on in this paper were all within 4%.
Conclusions:
Family physicians have predominantly positive attitudes about the potential benefits of self-help groups, and many are recommending groups to their patients.
Insights
Ontario family physicians generally view self-help groups positively and frequently refer patients to them. Awareness of specific cancer self-help groups is moderate, but perceived helpfulness is high.
Area of Science:
- Family Medicine
- Health Services Research
- Patient Support
Background:
- Self-help groups offer valuable support for various health conditions.
- Understanding physician engagement with these groups is crucial for optimizing patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Ontario family physicians' attitudes, awareness, and practices concerning self-help groups, with a focus on cancer support groups.
Main Methods:
- A mailed survey using a modified Dillman method was distributed to 1500 Ontario family physicians.
- 911 completed questionnaires were analyzed, yielding a 64% response rate.
- Data collected included physician demographics, practice characteristics, awareness, perceived value, attitudes, and referral practices regarding self-help groups.
Main Results:
- Awareness of regional self-help groups was limited (40.2% knew of six or more), but awareness of cancer self-help groups was higher (56.8%).
- 12% of physicians frequently discussed and referred patients to self-help groups.
- Self-help groups were rated highly for helpfulness (83.8%) and low for potential harm (1%).
Conclusions:
- Ontario family physicians exhibit positive attitudes towards self-help groups and their benefits.
- Many physicians actively recommend these groups to patients, indicating a supportive role in patient care.
- Enhanced physician awareness of available self-help resources could further improve patient access to support.