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ABSTRACT: CHIQUELHO R., NEVES S., MENDES Á., RELVAS A.P. & SOUSA L. (2011) European Journal of Cancer Care20, 337–344 proFamilies: a psycho-educational multi-family group intervention for cancer patients and their familiesThis paper describes a psycho-educational multi-family discussion group intervention for cancer patients and their families (proFamilies) which was implemented and evaluated at the IPOFG – CROC (Portuguese Cancer Institute, Regional Centre of Coimbra). It is a brief and highly structured programme which involves educational and support components and is based on multi-family discussion groups, including patients and non-patient family members. Five groups were established, involving 19 families, and a total of 57 people. The paper focuses on the practical aspects of the intervention, its development and its evaluation. Our results suggest that the programme responds to the patients' and their families' needs and that participation in proFamilies prevents an increase in the patient's level of psycho-social maladjustment, promotes an adequate level of family cohesion and diminishes the perceived stress of patients and family members.
European Journal of Cancer Care 04/2011; 20(3):337 - 344. · 1.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: As genetic health care expands and genetic testing becomes more widely available, it becomes relevant to understand how individuals involved in genetic counselling are integrating this new information in health management and into their lives. This article examines the client's experiences of genetic counselling for hereditary cancers, which definitely play a major role in the assessment of their needs and also lead to improvement of the psychosocial focus in genetic counselling protocols. Methods include a semi-structured interview, administered in two focus groups, comprising 10 (5 + 5) participants after attending genetic counselling for hereditary cancers at a Portuguese public hospital. Findings suggest an experience embedded in two dimensions: (1) instrumental (goals, needs and decision making); and (2) emotional (uncertainty regarding genetic risk screening and an emotional complex). Ambiguity plays a crucial role, especially in two moments: (1) the hiatus between genetic testing and the screening results; and (2) after being confirmed as carrying a cancer susceptibility gene mutation. The spectrum of genetic illness comprises an intensely complex emotional experience that challenges individuals and their families in terms of health management, and personal and family planning. Recommendations are included in order to enhance the services available by expanding psychosocial support.
European Journal of Cancer Care 03/2011; 20(2):204-11. · 1.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This paper describes a psycho-educational multi-family discussion group intervention for cancer patients and their families (proFamilies) which was implemented and evaluated at the IPOFG - CROC (Portuguese Cancer Institute, Regional Centre of Coimbra). It is a brief and highly structured programme which involves educational and support components and is based on multi-family discussion groups, including patients and non-patient family members. Five groups were established, involving 19 families, and a total of 57 people. The paper focuses on the practical aspects of the intervention, its development and its evaluation. Our results suggest that the programme responds to the patients' and their families' needs and that participation in proFamilies prevents an increase in the patient's level of psycho-social maladjustment, promotes an adequate level of family cohesion and diminishes the perceived stress of patients and family members.
European Journal of Cancer Care 02/2010; 20(3):337-44. · 1.17 Impact Factor
