Delivery of Cancer Survivorship Education to Community Healthcare Professionals.

Our pilot study aimed to evaluate the needs of community oncology providers with regard to cancer survivorship education, develop a survivorship curriculum based on the needs assessment, and evaluate the acceptability of the Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) model for delivery of the survivorship curriculum. A needs assessment was delivered to participants in suburban community cancer practices, and a curriculum was developed based on the results. Participants were enrolled in an ECHO curriculum consisting of 6 sessions from October to December 2019. Participants included registered nurses (RN), registered dietitians (RD), clinical social workers (LCSW), advanced practice providers (APP), radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists (MD). Participants were invited to participate in exit interviews designed to better evaluate the participant experience. Ninety percent of needs assessment participants (n = 37) expressed an interest in cancer survivorship education. Eight participants from 3 community practices in suburban Connecticut enrolled in the ECHO curriculum. Four participants (50%) agreed to participate in exit interviews. Five themes emerged from the exit interviews: interest in survivorship, time, positive experience, empowerment, and community. Our Survivorship ECHO pilot demonstrated the acceptability of the Project ECHO® model for delivering cancer survivorship education to oncology providers. Further research confirming the feasibility of this model in additional oncology provider settings is needed.

Mutual support groups for long-term recipients of TANF.

This study examined the effect of involvement in mutual support groups on long-term recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other vulnerable individuals. From qualitative interviews with nine group members, the study identified key themes, benefits, and barriers related to involvement in the groups. Content analysis of the data revealed insights about characteristics of effective self-help and mutual support groups, which social workers and other professionals can use to develop effective support groups in the future. Participants discussed benefits for themselves and their families, such as enhanced parenting and social skills, increased knowledge, and enhanced self-esteem.