Decision making about treatment by older people with colorectal cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Shared decision making about treatment for older people with colorectal cancer: The patient perspective
IRAS ID
165820
Contact name
Karen Gillett
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 4 days
Research summary
Making decisions about treatment for colorectal cancer is difficult; the patient is dealing with a diagnosis of cancer and the prospect of treatment that may have long-term side effects. In addition, older patients are more likely to have additional health and social problems. The White Paper, Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS set out the Government’s plan for a patient-centred National Health Service based on the principle of shared decision making: ‘no decision about me without me’ (Department of Health, 2010, p. 13). The aim of shared decision-making is that patients are actively involved in making treatment decision with health care professionals supporting them to make choices that reflect what is important to them (NICE, 2012). This study aims to increase understanding of the experience of shared decision making from the point of view of the older person (65 plus) with colorectal cancer.
The research will involve qualitative semi structured interviews with 12 to 15 patients at the time of the initial treatment decision and 12 to 15 patients at 18 months following the initial treatment decision. The intention is to interview 4 to 5 patients in each of the following age groups: 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85 plus. Equal representation of men and women is also important. The interviews will explore what influences patient decision-making and whether patients’ thoughts about treatment decision-making alter as they live with the consequences of their treatment. Interviews will be analysed using the ‘Framework approach’, which will allow the comparison of patients’ responses at the different time points, by age, and gender. The intention is to use the findings from this study to inform the development of further research and to support treatment decision making for older people with colorectal cancer.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
14/ES/1104
Date of REC Opinion
4 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion