CHANCES
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cancers of the Head and Neck: Client Experiences of Psychological Support: CHANCES study
IRAS ID
261527
Contact name
Beth Giddins
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Portsmouth
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 11 days
Research summary
The Macmillan Clinical Psychology Service (MCPS) based in Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth is a new service which offers specialist psychological support to people affected by cancer. Since its inception, the service has sought to provide bespoke support to patients with head and neck cancer across all points of the cancer pathway. For example, support to patients preparing for major surgery or radiotherapy, support to help patients adjust to living with or after cancer or support to patients who are approaching end of life. This is due to the known association between head and neck cancer and heightened psychological distress. \n\nHowever evidence indicates that more clarity is needed on the effectiveness of psychological therapies for patients with head and neck cancer. In addition, there is limited research that explores the patient perspective of receiving psychological therapy in a qualitative context. By exploring issues such as participants’ expectations and narratives of receiving psychological therapies before undergoing cancer treatment will provide make these interventions more meaningful and effective for patients.\n\nThe CHANCES study aims to understand head and neck cancer patients’ expectations and perceptions of psychological therapy, before and after a psychological therapy is received. By interviewing patients, this study will also aim to explore how they found therapy whilst being treated for their cancer and how they may have incorporated skills learnt into daily living. A narrative inquiry in the interviews allows patients to tell their story about their own experiences of using a psychological therapy as part of their cancer care.\n\n\n
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SW/0244
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion