Young Adults' Perceptions of the Venturing Out Pack Program as a Tangible Cancer Support Service.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To explore the extent to which contents contained in a backpack called the Venturing Out Pack (Vo-Pak) assist in meeting the practical, psychosocial, and informational needs of young adults (YAs), as well as how the Vo-Pak could better meet the needs of YAs. 
. RESEARCH APPROACH Qualitative, descriptive.
. SETTING A university-affiliated adult hospital cancer center in Montreal, Quebec.
. PARTICIPANTS 12 YAs treated for cancer. 
. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH One-time, individual, semistructured interviews. Verbatim transcripts underwent thematic analysis.
. FINDINGS Participants viewed the Vo-Pak as a welcoming, ready-to-use, timely package that met many cancer-related needs. The Vo-Pak contains three kits. CONCLUSIONS This program adds value to efforts to enhance cancer care for YAs. Integrating participants' recommendations contributes to the overarching goal of comprehensive person-centered care to an underserved segment of the cancer population.
. INTERPRETATION The Vo-Pak program could be optimized by re-engaging healthcare professionals in its broader dissemination. Champions may be added to optimize the successful implementation of tangible support programs. YAs seem eager to connect with peers. The Vo-Pak can be instrumental in facilitating these connections and enabling these exchanges.