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Addressing the Lack of Psychosocial Supportive Services for Cancer Patients in Low-Resource Settings: Adaptation of a Peer Mentoring Program in Vietnam

Background and context: In limited resource environments such as Vietnam, there is a severe lack of informational and instrumental support offered to newly diagnosed cancer patients. As a result, patients and caregivers are often left uninformed, frightened and confused about their treatment and future. Additionally, due to the stigma that surrounds cancer in many countries, patients are often discouraged from openly discussing their disease, even among family and friends. This can have a tremendous psychological impact on patients and interfere with their ability to seek and receive the medical care they need. Aim: Provide psychosocial support for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in Vietnam. Strategy/Tactics: Adapt a well-established peer-to-peer mentoring program (Woman to Woman) to three major oncology hospitals in Vietnam. Program/Policy process: - Conduct interviews and group discussions with key stakeholders to assess feasibility and acceptability of adapting the Woman to Woman program to the Vietnam context. - Develop resource-appropriate, culturally-relevant, and context-specific materials (training modules, cancer information and resources, assessment scales and questionnaires). - Launch the adapted program, with commitment from local stakeholders. - Monitor progress and evaluate program effectiveness. - Advocate for scale-up of the program through local organizations and government entities. Outcomes: - Reduced patient distress. - Increased cancer awareness among patients and caregivers. - Reduced burden on hospital staff. - Increased skills and self-efficacy among peer mentors. What was learned: - Engagement of local stakeholders in initial assessments is key to ensure buy-in. - Program adaptation must consider the different needs of the local policy and environment contexts, not just national-level and cultural issues. - Empowering cancer survivors requires the incorporation of their diverse voices and experiences.