BETTER-B Qualitative Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative exploration into the use of Mirtazapine to alleviate Breathlessness in Palliative and End of Life Care
IRAS ID
297998
Contact name
Irene Higginson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
Breathlessness is a common, distressing symptom in advanced disease, causing considerable disability for patients, and anxiety and social isolation for them and their family and carers. Breathlessness which continues despite optimal management of the underlying causes and current symptom relief measures, is termed ‘chronic’ or ‘refractory’. There are few effective pharmacological treatments for chronic breathlessness thus, a huge unmet need and a need for new approaches which are not only effective but are also acceptable to patients and easy to implement. The BETTER-B main trial aims to address this unmet need by determining whether the antidepressant mirtazapine has a role in the management of refractory breathlessness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD).
This qualitative interview study aims to explore the views of participants (patients and caregivers) who have taken part in the BETTER-B main trial. The study will explore what participants understand, perceive and feel about the trial treatment. Topics will include attitudes and beliefs about antidepressants, information and communication, effects of the treatment including any perceived benefits or harms. The qualitative interviews will ensure that the main trial data are placed within the context of the experience of participants.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0844
Date of REC Opinion
25 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion