Care needs of people with comorbid cancer and dementia living in RCHs
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The care needs of people with cancer and dementia living in residential care homes.
IRAS ID
266237
Contact name
Laura Ashley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Beckett University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 8 months, 25 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND: Cancer and dementia is common among older people, but we don’t know much about the care needs of people with both conditions. We do know that people with dementia experience cancer differently to those who don’t have dementia. They often receive less treatment, pain relief and information about their cancer. They may be diagnosed later, experience more health problems, and suffer higher mortality rates. Residential care homes are important because around 58% of residents have dementia and, since the chance of having cancer increases as we age, it is expected that a number have both conditions. To ensure people with cancer and dementia living in residential care homes get the care they need, we need to know more about their care needs and experiences.\n\nAIM: The aim of the study is to explore the care needs of people with cancer and dementia living in residential care homes.\n\nPARTICIPANTS: Participants will be up to 10 people with cancer and dementia living in residential care homes in Yorkshire, and members of their care network.\n\nMETHOD: Observations, informal interviews, and health and social care documentation will be used to build a case study of the care experience of each participant with cancer and dementia. Each case study will be analysed individually before being compared with other case studies to identify what works well and what could be improved for people living with cancer and dementia in residential care homes.\n\nRESULTS: Results will be shared with people with cancer and dementia, informal carers, residential care homes, and health and social care staff. This will be in the form of leaflets, reports, social media posts, journal articles, conference presentations and a PhD thesis. Results will also be used to develop and test new and different approaches to care and support in the future.\n
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/YH/0395
Date of REC Opinion
3 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion