Mapping the social support networks of patients
The aim of this article is to provide you with a briefing on how to construct a social support network map with cancer sufferers. Cancer poses unique problems for patients who often feel vulnerable for months at a time. Following preliminary treatment, patients are not guaranteed a cure. Treatment programmes are often lengthy and designed to sustain a remission. As a result, the support needs of patients extend well beyond the confines of the hospital and into the community ( Sammarco 2001 , Ebright and Lyon 2002 ). Patients will need to draw extensively upon lay support and the question arises, ‘who might help me’ ( Bottomley and Jones 1997 ; Pistrang 1997 )? A key contribution of the nurse at the juncture of hospital and community based care is assistance with mapping social support ( Price 1999 ).