Training senior peer counselors to provide telephone support for newly diagnosed breast cancer survivors

Volunteers require carefully designed and evaluable training before providing support to newly diagnosed older breast cancer survivors (BCS) after surgery. A training module and 20-h course incorporating discussion, role plays, dyads, and written material were created tosupplement core training of senior peer counselors, who provided a telephone support intervention in a randomized controlled trial. Twelve volunteers began the training, ten completed the course, and six of the ten subsequently provided telephone support to 107 BCS. Specialized supplemental training, along with ongoing supervision, effectively prepared volunteers to provide support via telephone to BCS, augmenting professional support.