Experiences of PAD patients,their families,healthcare professionals
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative interview study exploring experiences of treatment for patients in peripheral arterial disease (PAD), their families and healthcare professionals
IRAS ID
329866
Contact name
Mary Wells
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NIHR303308, NIHR Doctoral Research Fellowship
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Arteries carry blood from the heart to the body. When fat builds up inside arteries it causes blockages that reduce blood supply; when this happens in the legs it is known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This affects 20% of people aged over 60 in the UK. PAD poses a significant risk of heart attack, stroke, and amputation within five years of disease onset.
UK NHS treatment guidance to help these patients manage their disease and live longer suggests: cholesterol-lowering and blood-thinning tablets; regular exercise and stopping smoking. When patients follow this plan, they have 40% less chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or amputation. Unfortunately, patients do not always follow their treatment plan, which can make them become more unwell and need surgery.
It is important to know what helps or stops patients from following their treatment plan. To explore that, the PI will undertake qualitative one-to-one interviews with PAD patients in different areas in the UK. Research has shown the significant influence of family and friends in supporting individuals with chronic diseases. However, the role of this support in PAD remains unclear. To understand the impact of social support, the PI plans to do group interviews with family members and friends aiding PAD patients. Additionally, insights from healthcare professionals, such as nurses, doctors and physiotherapists, will be gathered using group interviews to explore challenges faced by PAD patients and potential solutions. All interviews will be audio-recorded and take place virtually on Microsoft Teams or face-to-face at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
This holistic approach will support the understanding of social and professional support for individuals managing PAD. It will also inform the development of a personalised intervention to support treatment adherence in PAD patients. This ultimately will benefit the patients by providing a more holistic treatment plan.REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
24/WA/0075
Date of REC Opinion
9 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion