Cancer, Dementia and Information needs (Can-DO) v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cancer, Dementia and Information needs (Can-DO)
IRAS ID
200312
Contact name
Janelle Yorke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Background: There is little research exploring information needs for patients with cancer who also have a dementia diagnosis or whether they have particular treatment decision-making preferences. It is also important to investigate whether there are any unmet wishes for patient and carer. This research is timely as the UK faces an ageing population and the number of people with dementia will increase and so a greater number of cancer patients are expected to have a form of dementia in the coming years.
Aim: This study aims to qualitatively explore the information needs and decision-making preferences of patients with cancer who have a diagnosis of dementia, carers and cancer clinicians.
Sample: Patients who have cancer of any type and a diagnosis of dementia will be eligible to take part in the research study. Each patient’s carer (e.g. partner, relative or friend) will also be invited to participate. Each patient/carer will be asked to identify a cancer clinician involved in their treatment to compare and contrast findings from the patient/carer and clinician interviews.
Methods: Patients/carers will be recruited from The Christie using the Psycho-Oncology department, as patients with dementia are likely to use this hospital service. Patients will be able to take part if the carer or clinician does not want to take part. Each patient/carer will take part in an interview, at The Christie or at their home. It will also be possible to conduct the interview over the telephone. Patients and carers will be asked questions relating to their cancer journey; from first detecting cancer symptoms to any treatments that they have received. The interviews will be tape-recorded and analysed to answer the research questions. The findings will be used to develop an information needs and decision-making guide for patients with cancer and a diagnosis of dementia and their carers.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0156
Date of REC Opinion
27 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion