Feasibility of a digital cancer pain intervention
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Testing the feasibility and acceptability of a digital intervention to assist with cancer pain management
IRAS ID
217994
Contact name
Rosalind Adam
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Development, NHS Grampian
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 22 days
Research summary
This study will involve patients, their caregivers, and professionals in furthering the design and development of a digital intervention to assist with cancer pain management. Cancer pain is often poorly controlled, particularly in patients who live at home. Detailed interviews with patients and professionals and a review of published research have allowed full investigation of the reasons for suboptimal cancer pain control. Desirable features of an intervention have been explored. A digital intervention has been developed to promote mutual treatment goals between patients and professionals, and to assist with successful management of cancer pain. This study will ask patients, their caregivers, their Macmillan nurse, and their GP to try the digital intervention and to give opinions and feedback to the research team. \nThe intervention involves an app for a tablet computer device. Patients and/or a linked caregiver can use the app to record details of pain and related symptoms, and of painkiller use. An educational video about pain management is contained within the app, along with links to reputable information and sources of advice and help. \nSummary reports from the app will be sent to linked professionals on a weekly basis. The report highlights patient pain levels, the site and nature of the pain, breakthrough (short acting/top-up) painkiller use, and problems with side effects. Professionals will be asked to use the report as an adjunct to enhance usual clinical care. Macmillan nurses will be asked to schedule a contact with the patients over the study period to discuss the patient generated data.\nInterviews will be conducted with all participants at the end of the study to ask their opinions on the intervention and suggestions for modifications. Patient case notes will be reviewed to determine whether the app has influenced consulting patterns or specific episodes of care.\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
17/NS/0005
Date of REC Opinion
10 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion