Experiences of early discharge in paediatric febrile neutropenia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Early discharge in paediatric febrile neutropenia: experiences and perceptions of young people, parents and healthcare professionals
IRAS ID
142973
Contact name
Jessica Morgan
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
HSRGC/2015/98/E, University of York Research Governance Committee
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
When children with cancer are treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the resulting temporary immune deficit leads to an increased risk of significant infection. When these children develop a temperature, this is termed febrile neutropenia. Febrile neutropenia is the most common complication of treatment for childhood malignancy and in around 50% of these episodes there is a low risk of serious complications of infection. Reducing therapy for low risk febrile neutropenia (LRFN) may provide benefits of improved quality of life, reduction in hospital acquired infection, cost savings and reduced pressures on the healthcare service. Indeed, NICE guidance now recommends that patients with LRFN be considered for outpatient therapy.
However, although outpatient strategies have been found to be safe and efficacious, the acceptance of them within clinical trials for paediatric patients seems to be poor. Despite a thorough review of the qualitative literature, the reasons for this poor uptake are unclear. This study uses focus group discussions to examine the experiences and perceptions of key stakeholders about early discharge and outpatient therapy in paediatric LRFN. It considers the potential barriers and facilitators to acceptance of these strategies. We aim to explore the attitudes of young people, parents and healthcare professionals from a number of places around the UK so that as many different opinions are gathered as possible. This research aims to inform practitioners about the possible range of opinions held by their patients, allowing adaptation of current care and the rational design of services in response to the NICE guidance.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0208
Date of REC Opinion
18 May 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion