And how are you now?

A. Context and problem statement
With this project, relatives of gynecological cancer patients are offered a place where they can go with their specific questions and concerns.
In the case of the sick, the informal care goes mainly to the patient. Gynecological cancer not only affects the patient, but also profoundly affects the lives of his loved ones. For example, partners are confronted with a change in their partner’s sexuality or infertility or the aftermath. Children and other families sometimes face the inheritance of the disease when the patient is suffering from ovarian cancer. In addition to their concerns about and for the patient, relatives also have many questions and concerns that they are often unable or unwilling to share with the patient. It’s important that they have somewhere to go with their questions and concerns. For themselves, but ultimately also for the patient.
B. Research direction/proposed solution
During the period the following activities are carried out:
– Adapt/add to the Olive site a specific section for relatives with stories of experiences and information
– Close volunteer recruitment, including screening and orientation
– Creation of a pool of close volunteers who, as experienced experts, manage the Olive helpline, email and whatsapp services and friend contact for loved ones
C. Relevance
A survey set up by Olijf in 2022 among relatives of his volunteers and on social media received a lot of reactions from relatives. The responses showed that relatives need a number of points they have missed, such as touch, a listening ear and stories of experiences. Plus, tips on how to deal with patients and how loved ones can take care of themselves through grief and loss. With this project, Olive wants to offer help to relatives in these matters.
D. Research Questions
Relatives’ needs are first inventoried before the desired project rollout (website, Olive magazine, relatives, volunteers, etc.) is implemented in various phases
E. Research design
A project team composed of two academics supported by a volunteer will work on this project
F. Expected results
An adapted website, the possibility for relatives to get in touch with other patients and that all existing services offered by Olive are also open to relatives
G. Description of the steps necessary to implement the result
The project will be completed in four phases:
1. Gather information and recruit volunteers from close relatives
2. Edit the website and publish the Olive Leaf special edition
3. Establish and expand contact with fellow sufferers
4. Share best practices and evaluation