Table 5 Patients’ comments following the support (from comments on the Q3 questionnaire)

“There should be accompanying patients for all diseases! It would be beneficial for both the patients and the care teams.” (ID 284)

“I really enjoyed talking with my AP. She gave me a different perspective. And the fact that she is about my age.” (ID 255)

“It's these meetings that help me lower my anxiety and understand my journey better. I always feel much better afterwards.” (ID 301)

“This help is invaluable, especially because it is the only help I’ve been offered. After being diagnosed with cancer, one lives with a deep fear of dying. You have to adjust to a mutilated body. We see our loved ones suffer, and the public health system doesn’t offer any psychological help […]. So, without an accompanying patient, I’d be alone with all my fears and anxieties, with no-one to talk to and put things in perspective.” (ID 353)

“I needed to talk with people who are facing similar issues, besides the disease (young, single, childless). The accompanying patient helped me find resources to meet this need. […]” (ID 249)

“I only spoke with my AP once, but that was enough for me. I was very touched by her capacity to listen and by her involvement. I felt well that she understood my concerns, and then reassured. Thank you!” (ID 318)

“Just one thing. Thank you for everything you do!” (ID 257)

“The service was highly appreciated.” (ID 295)

“The accompanying patient was particularly empathetic and caring. I am very grateful to have had access to her services.” (ID 348)

“I would recommend that all new patients have this type of support. It’s so beneficial.” (ID 355)

“I received a call from an accompanying patient, but I don't think I need it for the rest of the process, as I have my own way of dealing with it.” (ID 253)

“I would have liked to have had help at the beginning of the diagnosis rather than after the operation.” (ID 214)

“I would have liked to have had an accompanying patient who would have been in the same situation as me, that is, someone living alone […]” (ID 290)

“The general idea of the project is interesting. However, as far as I’m concerned, the conversation took place at a time when I still didn’t have all the data […].” (ID 221)

“Later on, I would have liked to talk with a woman who had a mutation like me, who had been through something more similar to my experience.” (ID 221)