FOCUS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Feasibility Study of a Personalised Occupational Therapy–Led Psychological Support Intervention for Anxiety in People with Cancer Undergoing Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy
IRAS ID
365234
Contact name
Ben Hood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and other systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT) can cause side effects that affect people both physically and emotionally. These side effects can make daily activities more difficult, affect quality of life, and increase anxiety. The FOCUS study aims to explore whether a personalised occupational therapy (OT)-led psychological intervention is feasible and acceptable for people with cancer who experience anxiety while receiving SACT or participating in early-phase clinical trials.
The study has two parts. Part One is observational. Participants will complete questionnaires about anxiety, wellbeing, and everyday functioning before starting treatment and at follow-up time points during their treatment. This will help the research team understand how anxiety and quality of life change during cancer therapy and identify areas where support may be most helpful. Participants may also take part in a short interview to share their experiences of treatment and support.
Part Two is interventional. Participants will receive a six-session OT-led psychological programme starting before treatment and continuing alongside SACT. The sessions focus on managing anxiety, developing coping strategies, and maintaining participation in everyday activities. These sessions will be delivered in a way that fits around treatment, either face-to-face or online. Participants will complete the same questionnaires as in Part One and may take part in interviews to share their experiences of the programme.
The study will recruit approximately 20 participants for Part One and 20 for Part Two, along with 8–10 staff members, and will include a small number of early-phase trial patients. All visits will be coordinated to take place alongside routine hospital appointments where possible to minimise extra visits.
By taking part, participants will help the research team understand whether this type of OT-led psychological support can be delivered safely and practically, and how it might help people manage anxiety and improve quality of life during cancer treatment. The findings will help plan a larger study in the future to improve support for people undergoing SACT.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
26/WS/0054
Date of REC Opinion
22 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion