AL is a malignant hematological disease with considerable morbidity and mortality. Social support has a beneficial effect on well-being by enhancing coping and reducing symptoms. Knowledge on the experiences of newly diagnosed patients with AL will generate a deeper understanding of their need for social support, as will investigating the feasibility of how a peer-to-peer support intervention may impact the well-being of patients and their coping with a life-threatening disease. 

This Ph.D. thesis consists of three papers with the following aims: to explore how newly diagnosed patients with AL experience the diagnosis and the initial treatment, and to illuminate their need and preferences for social support (Paper Ⅰ); to evaluate the feasibility of patient ambassador support in newly diagnosed patients with AL during the initial treatment (Paper Ⅱ); and to explore how newly diagnosed patients with AL and their patient ambassadors experience the mentorship during patient ambassador support (Paper Ⅲ). 

The overall conclusion of this thesis is that the intensity, complexity, and prognosis of AL induce a need of social support and that especially support from peers is unique. Patient ambassador support is feasible in this population. The findings can guide practice in aiming to develop a supportive care program for patients with life-threatening cancer and lead to the creation of collaboration between patients and patient ambassadors. 

Additional project information