Exploring women's & clinicians views of treatment for BCRL of the arm
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring women’s and clinicians views of early decongestive treatment for newly presenting breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) of the arm.
IRAS ID
161732
Contact name
Eunice Jeffs
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 29 days
Research summary
Lymphoedema of the arm is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment affecting approximately 1 in 5 women in the UK. Lymphoedema has a significant physical, social and psychological impact, and can cause significant psychological distress. There is some evidence for the effectiveness of lymphoedema treatment, but the most effective treatment is still unknown. NICE has recommended research into the effectiveness of decongestive lymphoedema treatment for BCRL.
This 2-phase study will explore the views of women with BCRL of the arm and lymphoedema practitioners regarding different types of decongestive lymphoedema treatment, and also explore opinions of key stakeholders in lymphoedema practice, research and policy to achieve a consensus regarding best practice for the decongestive treatment of BCRL of the arm. The findings of this exploratory study will be used to inform the development of a feasibility study to consider if a future definitive trial could be successfully completed. The research is funded by a NIHR/HEE Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship.
Phase 1 will use focus groups to separately explore the views of women with BCRL of the arm and lymphoedema practitioners regarding the value and acceptability of decongestive lymphoedema treatment, potential burden of treatment, perceived barriers to taking part in a future trial, and the most meaningful methods of assessing treatment benefit. Patients from Guy’s Hospital Lymphoedema Clinic and members of 2 patient support networks (the Haven, London, and the Lymphoedema Support Network) will be invited to participate.
Phase 2 consists of a real-time face-to-face Delphi-method consensus meeting with key stakeholders (including lymphoedema practitioners, lymphoedema services managers, commissioners, researchers, educators and service user representatives) to achieve consensus regarding the management of BCRL, specifically the decongestive interventions and outcome measures to be used in a future RCT.
Each participant will attend one focus group or consensus meeting held at a central London venue. Phase 1 focus groups will last around 1½ hours, and the phase 2 consensus meeting will last approximately 4 hours.REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0917
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion