A service evaluation of The Haven at Home as a support programme for breast cancer survivors

Aim of the service evaluationThe Haven at Home is a free outreach programme offered by The Haven breast cancer support centres, which consists of a DVD, audio CD and web-based psychosocial, emotional and physical support for people diagnosed with breast cancer. The aim of the service evaluation was to assess the suitability of The Haven at Home as a support programme for people with breast cancer in Yorkshire.MethodsTwo hundred and twenty The Haven at Home packs were sent out to ten breast cancer units in the Yorkshire and Humber region to be distributed to breast cancer patients unable to attend the Leeds Haven, and directly to 206 previous visitors to the Leeds Haven centre. Ten respondents were contacted for a 15-30 min recorded telephone interview to explore their response in more detail. Transcripts of the recorded interviews underwent framework thematic analysis.ResultsSeventy three (17%) of potential recipients completed the feedback questionnaire. Overall, The Haven at Home programme was considered to be both very helpful (73%) and easy to understand (81%). Respondents (n = 67) liked The Haven at Home for its positive effects (27%), usefulness at home (16%), offer of companionship (15%) and specific therapies (31%), and considered it well presented (11%). Despite difficulty in some cases navigating the DVD, 96% of respondents would recommend the programme to others with breast cancer.ConclusionsA sample of breast cancer patients living in Yorkshire found that The Haven at Home outreach programme provided them with appropriate support.