The experience and perceptions of men with prostate cancer and their partners of the CONNECT psychosocial intervention: a qualitative exploration

Aim To explore the experience of prostate cancer survivors and their partners of the CONNECT psychosocial intervention. Background There is a scarcity of evidence relating to interventions to help men and their partners cope with the after affects of prostate cancer treatment. Design This study employed a qualitative design for in depth exploration through couple interviews. The addition of a short process evaluation questionnaire was used to supplement the qualitative data. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were conducted between January 2012–October 2012 with a purposive sample of 11 couple dyads who had participated in the CONNECT intervention. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyse the findings from the questionnaire data. Results Couples perceived benefits of participating in the intervention to include: opportunities to share experiences, gain validation, obtain information and engage in couple care. The expertise of the professional facilitator and group dynamics were highlighted as factors influencing the success of the intervention. Potential areas for improvement of the intervention were identified as being: further development of the sexual dysfunction component; incorporation of a partner specific session to better address their needs; determination of optimal delivery format and timing; and further tailoring of the components of the intervention. Conclusion Although there were areas that could be further improved, this psychosocial intervention was valued by the participants. The insight gained from this qualitative exploration can be used to make the necessary changes before the intervention can be tested in a large randomised controlled trial.