Informal Communities in Cancer Treatment
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Project Lead
Dr Matt Grant
Project Details
Introduction: The informal social interactions that patients and their families have within hospitals form a parallel system of support that is poorly recognized or understood, yet is likely to be very significant to the experience of cancer and its treatment.
Title: Informal Communities in Cancer Treatment
Rationale: The interactions that occur outside of the formal consultation are unavoidable in the hospital setting and may involve contact with other patients, family members and staff. Recent research examining patient's interactions has demonstrated the importance of these communications, as social support, a forum to exchange information and ideas, and a gathering of people facing the same challenges.
Key Aim (s): This study aims to examine the role of interactions and relationships that occur outside of the formal consultation to explore the purposes, meanings and effects of these encounters.
Potential Impact: Understanding the role that informal communities play in cancer care may enable patients, families and possibly also health services to recognize, value and work with the opportunities for support that are provided.
Researchers
Key contact: Matthew Grant matthew.grant@svha.org.au
Funding
National Health and Medical Research Council