DARE v1

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Exploring patient engagement in decision making in aortic aneurysm treatment(DARE)

• IRAS ID

  178996

• Contact name

  Richard Thomson

• Contact email

  richard.thomson@newcastle.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Newcastle Joint Research Office

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  7589, R&D Reference

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 6 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  Aortic aneurysm is a swelling of the aorta, the main blood vessel bring blood away from the heart. Aortic aneurysm surgery involves significant risks for the patient and a consideration of what type of surgery is best or whether the aneurysm is best managed conservatively needs to be made individually for each patient. The aim of this study is to understand the issues around decision-making in the treatment of aortic aneurysm to better support patient engagement, risk communication and decision-making.
  Qualitative research methods will be used and we will recruit three patient groups: (1) interviews with participants those who have recently discussed treatment for aortic aneurysm; (2) video-record/observe consultations between clinicians and patients discussing options for treatment (with follow-up interviews for some); and (3) interview patients who have recently opted for watchful waiting. Patients will be identified as suitable by the clinician responsible for their care and approached face to face in clinic or by letter from the clinician. Interviews will also be conducted with a range of clinicians (vascular surgeons, anaesthetists, radiologists, nurse specialists, screening nurses and pre-assessment clinic staff) involved in decision-making and information provision to patients. A topic guide will be used in the interviews, but participants will be encouraged to speak freely and raise any points they consider to be relevant to treatment decision-making. Interviews will be audio-recorded (with permission) and transcribed verbatim. Interview data and transcripts of video-recordings/field notes will be analysed using a framework/thematic analytical approach. Consultations will be video/audio recorded and/or observed. The findings of the study will be disseminated by presentation at meetings regionally, nationally and internationally and publication in appropriate journals.

• REC name

  West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  15/WM/0307

• Date of REC Opinion

  26 Aug 2015

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion