ESPRIT Qualitative Study - Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding patient and healthcare professional perceptions on embedding exercise into the adjuvant cancer treatment pathways: a qualitative study
IRAS ID
335653
Contact name
Maureen Twiddy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hull
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Current evidence suggests that physical activity and exercise are not only safe but also beneficial for individuals living with cancer as well as during and after cancer treatment. Additionally, evidence and recommendations suggest that engaging in regular physical activity and exercise may contribute to reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. However, further research is needed to strengthen the benefits of physical activity and exercise participation during cancer treatment with a view to implementing it consistently within cancer care pathways. The study uses qualitative methodology. The main objectives are to recruit two cohorts of participants e.g. cancer patients (and if applicable with their carers) and relevant healthcare professionals (inclusive of commissioners of services) to explore their perceptions and lived experiences of cancer and/or working within cancer care to gain an understanding of the barriers and facilitators for embedding exercise in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant cancer treatment pathways. The patient participants will have a diagnosis of breast, colorectal or oesophageal cancer. The proposal is to investigate this by completing two research studies over two years using semi-structured interviews to identify specific challenges and possible solutions following by a series of co-design workshops to explore the identified solutions to develop these further. The research will be funded by the University of Hull and participants will be recruited from various community sites across the UK including the local NHS trust (hospital and community), cancer care and rehabilitation centres, and exercise facilities that support adults diagnosed with cancer.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0102
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion