Getting Down to Coping in Lanarkshire
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Getting Down to Coping in Lanarkshire Online self-management after treatment for prostate cancer: a feasibility study
IRAS ID
190356
Contact name
Jane Cockle-Hearne
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, months, days
Research summary
This study tests the feasibility, in NHS Lanarkshire, of a nurse-led delivery model for the ‘Getting Down to Coping’ programme: a four week, online, self-management intervention for men experiencing distress related to disease and treatment side-effects of prostate cancer. The programme has been developed by the University of Surrey and is also currently being tested in Sussex Community NHS Trust within a mental health framework.
Up to 31% of men with prostate cancer experience some level of anxiety or depression, which left unsupported can impact quality of life and engagement with health services. GPs do not readily identify mental health problems in these men, and an inherent reluctance to seek help because of vulnerability, practical or geographical constraints means that distress for many is not well supported. Hospital urological services are stretched in providing psychological support for prostate cancer patients and there is no standardised assessment for psychological or mental health needs. Referral to counselling or mental health services depends on patient-initiated requests or assessment by a clinical nurse specialist on an ad hoc basis, which again is often prevented by men’s stoicism and reticence to speak about emotional problems.
Up to 1000 men diagnosed within the last five years in NHS Lanarkshire will be identified from hospital lists and sent information about the study. Those interested will visit the study website through which consent, assessment and intervention will take place. 140 consents are estimated prior to screening for distress. Men with mild to moderate distress will be asked to take part in the intervention. The University of Surrey will oversee the intervention online and NHS Lanarkshire nurses will facilitate the chat rooms. The programme will be assessed for its usability, practicability and viability to provide understanding of the key issues to address in a subsequent randomised controlled trial.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SC/0690
Date of REC Opinion
23 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion