Exploring the Experience of HIV Positive Patients Treated for Cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Study to Explore the Views and Experiences of HIV Positive Patients who are Diagnosed and Receive Treatment for Cancer using Mixed Qualitative Research Methods
IRAS ID
167046
Contact name
Emma G Hainsworth
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 14 days
Research summary
This study aims to explore the experience of HIV positive patients being diagnosed and receiving treatment for cancer and is being conducted as part of a PhD. Cohort studies suggest that cancer remains a significant co-morbidity for HIV patients maintained on Highly Active AntiRetroviral Therapy (HAART) and is part of a wider picture of HIV patients increasingly engaging with healthcare services separate from those provided for their HIV care. Although fewer in number now, those people who present late in their HIV infection and who are diagnosed with HIV and an AIDS related cancer at the same time face enormous challenges in dealing with their dual diagnosis both in terms of medical treatment and wider personal and social issues. To represent as wide a range of experience as possible the study aims to include both types of presentation. From the wider cancer service perspective the study is of relevance for the management of complex patients presenting with a pre-existing chronic condition.
The research objective is to explore the experience of a diagnosis of cancer for patients who are HIV positive; to examine their subsequent engagement with healthcare services and their ability to access a wider social support and to inform improvements in service.
Qualitative research methods will be adopted. Ethnographic observation will be conducted in clinical areas where cancer treatment is delivered to HIV positive patients. Semi-structured interviews with up to 20 HIV positive patients with a recent diagnosis of cancer and the collection of diary information will be conducted at 3 London sites with potentially a 4th site outside of London being added in time. Finally, dissemination workshops will be carried out in which the study findings will be shared with both healthcare professionals and patients with a view to identifying service improvements.REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0230
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion