One-to-one volunteer support programs for people with cancer: A review of the literature

Abstract Objective To conduct a systematic review of literature reporting on the use of volunteers in support programs for people with cancer. Methods PsycINFO, Medline and CINAHL were used to identify papers published up to April 2007 reporting one-to-one support programs using volunteers. Program data were extracted from the papers, which were rated on research quality and descriptions of the program, volunteers and support recipients. Results Twenty-eight papers were reviewed. Nineteen (69%) reported peer-support programs, with four (14%) pertaining to the Reach to Recovery program for women with breast cancer, and eight (28%) describing other peer-support programs for women with breast cancer. Few papers described the programs sufficiently to enable a good understanding of support recipients, volunteers, and what transpired between volunteers and support recipients. Twenty papers (71%) were research studies: 10 (36%) with one group descriptive data, 6 (21%) were non-randomized comparative studies and 4 (14%) were randomized controlled trials. Conclusion While most papers reported that programs were beneficial, few presented data from studies using rigorous research methodologies to support these claims. Practice implications Using volunteers in cancer care may have merits; however, papers need to provide more information regarding these programs and further evidence is required to determine their effectiveness.