Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Core competencies for facilitators of metastatic cancer support groups: insights from a national consultation to inform curriculum development (146504)

Andrea L Smith 1 2 , Cath Bowley 3 , Phyllis Butow 4 , Sally Dare 5 , Nikola Ellis 6 , Alison Evans 7 , Jennifer Henwood 7 , Melissa Hope 2 , Ros McAuley 2 , Mary O'Brien 8 , Frances Boyle 2 4
  1. The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Metastatic Breast Cancer Action Australia (MBC Action Australia), Sydney
  3. Myeloma Australia, Melbourne
  4. University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  5. Breast Cancer Care WA, Perth
  6. Cancer Council NSW, Sydney
  7. Sensus Health Group, Sydney
  8. Advanced Breast Cancer Group, Brisbane, Qld, Australia

Background

Support groups for people with metastatic cancer address critical psychosocial needs yet differ substantially from groups designed for those treated with curative intent.1 These differences create facilitation challenges and require competencies beyond standard support group training.2 To address this gap, MBC Action Australia undertook a national consultation to inform the development of a metastatic cancer-specific facilitator training curriculum (Figures 1 and 2).

Methods

This mixed-methods study consulted with facilitators/managers of metastatic cancer support groups and experts in supportive care. Consultation comprised: (1) online survey (n=30); (2) four online focus groups (n=21); and (3) a full-day expert consensus workshop and interviews (n=11). Survey data were analysed descriptively; focus group data were analysed thematically to identify priority skills, challenges, and training needs. Consensus on core curriculum elements was reached through discussion and prioritisation exercises at the workshop.

Results

Survey respondents reported confidence in general facilitation skills but identified gaps in areas unique to metastatic contexts. One-third expressed a need for further training in managing death and dying (35%), fostering cohesion (31%), and maintaining boundaries (31%). Focus groups highlighted the emotional intensity of metastatic groups and the complexity of managing diverse illness trajectories, cultural perspectives, and misinformation. Participants emphasised the need for advanced communication skills, trauma-informed approaches, and strategies for facilitator self-care. The expert workshop synthesised findings into a modular curriculum framework comprising:

  • Foundational module: planning, sustainability, group purpose/boundaries, and facilitator self-care.
  • Skills-based modules: (1) death and dying, (2) balancing hope and reality, (3) managing conflict and group dynamics.

Supporting activities, including a community of practice, mentorship, and access to practical tools, were endorsed to ensure ongoing professional development and sustainability.

Conclusion

The study confirms the need for metastatic cancer-specific facilitator training and provides an evidence-informed framework for curriculum development. Stage 2 will focus on developing, piloting and evaluating the training modules.

  1. Li Z, Laginha KJ, Boyle F, et al. Professionally led support groups for people living with advanced or metastatic cancer: a systematic scoping review of effectiveness and factors critical to implementation success within real-world healthcare and community settings. J Cancer Surviv. Published online 2024:1-21. doi:10.1007/s11764-023-01515-w
  2. Cancer Australia. Cancer Support Groups: A Guide for Peer Facilitators. Cancer Australia; 2009. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/system/tdf/publications/peer_facilitators1_504af01f7146f.pdf?file=1&type=node&id=2782