In this paper: A tailored, supportive care intervention using systematic assessment designed for people with inoperable lung cancer: A randomised controlled trial. Schofield, Penelope; Ugalde, Anna; Gough, Karla; Reece, John; Krishnasamy, Meinir; et al. Psycho-Oncology 22.11 (Nov 2013): 2445-2453.  

[..lung or pleural cancer (including mesothelioma)   

were the following tests and tools used: Needs Assessment for Advanced Lung Cancer Patients, European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life-Q-C30 V2.0, Brief Distress Thermometer, Physical Functioning Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Social Functioning Scale

It is a known fact that social support is the most effective way to help people as regards all kinds of disorders.  However, in the present paper it was concluded as follows: Although a novel approach, the hypothesis that the intervention would benefit perceived unmet needs, psychological morbidity, distress and health-related quality of life was not supported overall.

This means that one should put focus on tools that relieve people's psychological stress. Some persons benefit from information, other from talking about death and dying, others from pastoral care, some from feeling loved, some from sensing that their life had and still has a meaning.

As a start. 

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Hello Jocelyn, hope this is not too late. My question would start with what are you hoping to achieve through these groups as a means to design an evaluation methodology.  I would avoid the personal/psychological and look for follow-on ie. networking, support, referral, snowballing, gaining further knowledge etc. 

Beattrice and Glenn,

Thank you, you have provided me with a great starting point.  Glenn, I agree,  follow-on topics such as referrals, networking etc will be very  relevant.