Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41329666›Full record

ArticlePloS one2025

Evaluation of 'For survivors by survivors', a cancer survivorship peer support pilot program for healthcare staff: A one-group post-test-only study.

Ciaran Evans, Maria O'Malley, Mark R O'Donovan, Irem Koc, Caroline Kilty, Sean Kelleher, Teresa Wills, Josephine Hegarty, Mohamad M Saab

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Ciaran EvansSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7269-1333
Maria O'MalleySchool of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Mark R O'DonovanSchool of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8498-7567
Irem KocSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Caroline KiltySchool of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Sean KelleherSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Teresa WillsSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Josephine HegartySchool of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Mohamad M SaabSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7277-6268

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionThe number of people living with and beyond cancer has risen significantly due to medical advancements. The cancer journey remains physically, socially, and psychologically challenging. Peer support is important in cancer survivorship as it provides emotional validation and understanding, practical advice and a sense of belonging. A peer support program was developed to assist healthcare staff in Ireland who have had a diagnosis of cancer in their recovery and engagement with their workplace and work.

aimTo examine and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the "for survivors by survivors" pilot cancer survivorship program for the peer supporter, the person being supported (peer) and the line manager of the peer supporter.

methodsThree researcher-designed surveys were distributed via a voluntary cancer awareness and support services organization that acted as the gatekeeper. Data were collected on demographic and program-related factors and experience. Data were then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with open-ended questions analyzed using inductive content analysis.

findingsFor all three groups (peers, peer supporters and line managers; n = 42) 98% would recommend the program in the future. For peers 74% (n = 11) reported increased emotional well-being after interactions with their peer supporter; and large statistically significant improvements for communication, knowledge, information-seeking and self-confidence (effect sizes r = 0.67-0.80; p-values<0.05). For peer supporters, 84% (n = 16) evaluated the training and program positively, and 42% (n = 8) preferred in-person training. For line managers 88% (n = 7) were satisfied with the program. The most common barrier to participation for all three groups was time constraints. Awareness of the program was reported as low.

conclusionPeer support programs for cancer survivors can enhance emotional well-being at work. The effectiveness of such programs is constrained by practical barriers such as time limitations and low program awareness. Addressing these issues is essential for improving program reach and impact.

Indexed as

Cancer SurvivorsHealth PersonnelNeoplasmsPeer GroupSocial SupportSurvivorsAdultAgedFemaleHumansIrelandMaleMiddle AgedPilot ProjectsProgram EvaluationSurveys and Questionnaires

Identifiers

PMID41329666
PMCPMC12671735

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.