The following is a summary of “Black box of the Relationship between Breast Cancer Patients and Accompanying Patients: the accompanied Patients’ Point of View,” published in the July 2024 issue of Oncology by Pomey et al.

The PAROLE-Onco program, implemented in Quebec, Canada, in 2019, integrates accompanying patients (APs) with firsthand cancer experience into clinical teams. These APs support individuals undergoing treatment and collaborate with healthcare professionals. This study assesses the perceptions of patients with breast cancer receiving AP support at two university medical centers, focusing on their involvement in the care trajectory.

A qualitative approach involved semi-structured interviews with 14 patients with breast cancer conducted between July and September 2021. Participants varied in age, education, professional background, treatment type, family dynamics, and clinical history. The thematic analysis explored patient perceptions of APs’ contributions and recommendations for enhancing access to AP support.

Three primary themes emerged from the interviews: communication methods for connecting with APs, the nature of support provided by APs, and the perceived impact of this support on patients. Patients favored telephone communication for its convenience and accessibility. APs offered emotional support, shared information, maintained neutrality, and adapted to individual needs. These efforts enhanced patient-provider communication, alleviated anxiety, facilitated a sense of control, and improved overall quality of life. Patients underscored the valuable role of APs in navigating healthcare systems, understanding treatment protocols, and managing emotional well-being. Practical advice and emotional reassurance provided by APs were particularly valued, complementing the care provided by healthcare professionals.

This study underscores the significant emotional support APs provide to patients with breast cancer throughout their treatment journey, emphasizing improvements in emotional management and communication with healthcare teams. The findings highlight the integral role of APs in enhancing patient experiences and suggest avenues for further optimizing this supportive service within oncological care settings.

Source: bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-024-12585-z