A study of patient support after radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study into patient views of the support they receive after radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
IRAS ID
184752
Contact name
Catherine Holborn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Hallam University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Background
Earlier diagnosis of prostate cancer and advances in treatment means men are living beyond active treatment into survivorship. Much of the existing research is related to the long term needs of patients after treatment and there is much less evidence around the experiences of cancer patients in the several months immediately after completion of treatment – a term referred to as the re-entry phase (Stanton, 2012). Also, research often focuses on the functional outcomes of treatment although it is important to consider other needs, such as informational and support. Evidence has shown that many cancer survivors have unmet needs, particularly at the end of treatment (National Cancer Survivorship Initiative, 2013).
Study Summary
The study will investigate whether a radiographer-led telephone consultation 2 weeks post radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer and a prostate specific information leaflet during the last week of radiotherapy treatment would mean patients feel better supported in the post radiotherapy phase of treatment when compared to the current department practice consisting of a standard information leaflet and verbal instructions on the last day of radiotherapy treatment.
Patients will be randomised to a control group or the new follow up pathway group. Patients will meet with the researcher at their 6-8 week follow up appointment and have a 1-2-1 interview collecting qualitative data about their perception of the support they received in this period.
All patients receiving radical prostate radiotherapy in the department over a 1 month period will be eligible for participation – approximately 14 patients.Research Question
Do patients who have undergone radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer feel better supported post radiotherapy with the introduction of a specific patient information leaflet and radiographer telephone follow up 2 weeks post radiotherapy when compared to the current department practice of a generic ‘Completion of Radiotherapy’ information leaflet and verbal instructions?
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SC/0772
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion