Setting up a support group for your patients

A guide for urology and cancer nurses working with bladder cancer patients.

An ABC UK online Zoom session, which is being run in response to requests from urology and cancer nurses, on how to set up and run a successful patient support group. There are many benefits to running a group. Patients can find meeting others, and sharing experiences a huge help, both in coping with their diagnosis and treatment, and also for mental well-being. A group can also give a nurse valuable insight into the impact of a bladder cancer diagnosis on the patients you are treating and an opportunity to support your patients.

The session will be led by one of the ABC UK Patient Support team together with two advanced nurse specialists who have been running well-attended groups for several years. You will hear from a bladder cancer patient about the benefits of attending a meeting.

Support groups can have a positive impact on your patients' quality of life, emotional well-being, and ability to adapt to their illness. Patients who participate in support groups report better quality of life.

The session will cover all aspects of setting up a group including: establishing interest, considerations for starting up a new group, and identifying potential sources of funding. It will also mention the support that ABC UK can offer.

“Based on my experience of over two years attending a bladder cancer PSG, I would say that the benefits are being able to chat to my CNS, and to hear about bladder cancer treatment options, their effectiveness and possible side effects. Another benefit is hearing from representatives of charities and organisations that offer help and support and receive presentations by companies developing new and novel treatments for bladder cancer. A huge benefit is being able to share experiences of bladder cancer with others having the same condition, while offering them advice, encouragement and the prospects of a positive outcome.” Bob - a bladder cancer patient and PSG attendee

There will be a facility to ask questions which will be put to our speakers at the end of the session and to contact ABC UK afterwards. It will also be an opportunity to hear about the work of Action Bladder Cancer UK and the support we can offer for those with bladder cancer.

Please register to attend and you will be sent details on how to join the event.

If you have any questions please email - events@actionbladdercanceruk.org