Cognitive impairment after stem cell transplant:Carers experiences 2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Caregivers experiences and coping strategies relating to patients subjective treatment related cognitive impairment following Haematopoetic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT)
IRAS ID
187898
Contact name
Sarah Wilson
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 14 days
Research summary
For many cancers the treatments involved, such as chemotherapy can be physically and psychologically challenging and be associated with lasting adverse secondary effects, one of which is cognitive impairment. Common changes occur primarily in the domains of executive functioning e.g planning, processing speed and memory and attention. The incidence and severity of this symptom varies widely, however it can significantly impact quality of life by interfering with patients’ activities of daily living, relationships and future plans. This symptom can also pose challenges for the patients’ caregiver, an area which has received comparatively little attention.
The aim of this study is to investigate caregivers' experiences of treatment- related cognitive impairment in patients who have undergone Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT), how they coped both practically and emotionally and how they believe the NHS could help support them.
Up to ten participants who are caregivers to an individual who has undergone a HSCT in the last 20 years (excluding those who have undergone treatment in the last year) will be recruited via the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (BWoSCC). Each participant will complete an in-depth interview exploring their experiences, which will be analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Given that interventions which aim to remediate cognitive impairment are often enhanced when supported by carergivers, a greater understanding of caregivers' experiences may provide a rationale for the development of a service to meet their needs and, in turn, improve the outcomes of patients undergoing cognitive remediation.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
16/WS/0003
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion