Cancer Patient Support Program

The Duke Cancer Patient Support Program (DCPSP) exists to create a humanistic environment for adults with cancer, as well as their family members, during the stress entailed in diagnosis, treatment, and after-care.

Believing that patients’ needs always come first, DCPSP’s goal is to provide services that results in patients who feel not only cared for, but also cared about.

Since 1987, the DCPSP has addressed the emotional side of cancer by providing counseling, companionship, and comfort to the patients of the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, their families, and the community through our team of staff and volunteers, each of whom is committed to helping patients and families cope with the impact of cancer on their lives.

More than 100 volunteers fill the important role of talking to and listening to outpatients being seen in the clinics, as well as working with inpatients admitted to the hospital.

Medical professionals have demanding schedules and are busy prescribing care -- often they are not able to take extra time to visit with each patient.

This is where volunteers play an important role -- helping patients find locations and resources in the hospital and in the community, serving as liaisons with counselors and the medical staff, and listening to patients’ concerns.

The volunteers are thoroughly trained in sessions offered several times a year. Each volunteer donates two to four hours per week.

Volunteers provide services in two locations: the Morris Cancer Clinic and Duke University Hospital.

All volunteers receive training that covers the particular area in which they plan to serve. The workshops provide information on Duke University Health System resources, community resources, and various ways volunteers can help patients feel comfortable.

This is a great opportunity for pre-med and health care field students.

Opportunities

Outpatient Clinic Volunteer

• Helps orient patients and families to clinics
• Connects patients and families to DCPSP/Duke resources
• Provides listening ear
• Provides warm hospitality

Training Provided: Volunteer orientation session, fire and safety, job-specific training
Time Commitment: Four hours per week

Inpatient Visiting Volunteer

• Provides emotional support and companionship to patients and families
• Communicates patient/family needs counselors
• Connects patients and families to DCPSP/Duke resources

Training Provided: Volunteer orientation session, fire and safety, job-specific training
Time Commitment: Two hours per week

Hospitality Cart Volunteer

• Provides healthy food options to patients and families in the four outpatient oncology clinics
• Provides word puzzles, books, and other items donated to patients and families

Training Provided: Volunteer orientation session, fire and safety, job-specific training
Time Commitment: Two hours per week

No One Dies Alone Volunteer

• Provides companionship to oncology patients at the end of life
• Talks with, reads to, and sits with patients

Training Provided: Volunteer orientation session, fire and safety, job-specific training, specialized end-of-life training
Time Commitment: Four hours per week

Learn more about No One Dies Alone

Wig Room Volunteer

• Provides assistance to patients with self-image problems
• Maintains the Butterfly Boutique (Wig Room)

Training Provided: Volunteer orientation session, fire and safety, job-specific training
Time Commitment: Four hours per week

Contact Information: Phillip Shoe
Phone: 919-684-4497
Address: Box 3139, DUMC, Durham, NC 27710
Email: phillip.shoe@duke.edu
Web Site: www.cancer.duke.edu/support