Coda Comfort Crew (CCC) is a structured program put in place at the Gilles Desjardins Pavilion of the CISSS de l’Outaouais, which provides psychosocial support to chemotherapy patients.

Chemotherapy sessions can last several hours, and are often experienced in a context of isolation, anxiety and emotional distress. Since 2024, 51 trained volunteers have provided more than 1,309 hours of clinic attendance, reaching 928 patients through 4,202 individual interventions.

A medically supervised evaluation (by Dr. Jean-Michel Guay) of 909 chemotherapy sessions showed a significant need for psychosocial support, a perceived improvement in mood and feelings of support, and a reduction in anxiety during treatment.

The program is based on structured volunteer training in therapeutic communication and clinical support. It integrates into existing care services and adds a human dimension.
The Coda Comfort Crew helps transform the chemotherapy experience by providing patients with an attentive and ongoing presence that’s tailored to their needs.

Lead:
Omar Toubar, Cardiac Surgery Resident (Year 1)

Contributors:
Charlotte Lépine, Medical Student, McGill University
Marie-Hélène Caron, Head of Spiritual Care and Volunteer Services
Claudine Robert, Consultant Palliative Care Nurse Clinician