IMPACT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identifying Mask-related anxiety amongst PAtients receiving head and neck Cancer Treatment
IRAS ID
354405
Contact name
Sally Taylor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) having radiotherapy must wear an immobilisation mask during treatment. Whilst the mask is critical for treatment, patients may find this challenging and distressing, which may result in disruptions to treatment.
The aim of this study is to create a screening questionnaire (tool) to identify patients who may need additional support when required to wear a mask during radiotherapy.
One screening tool has been developed to assess mask-related anxiety, but patients were not involved in developing it, so it may not fully reflect their experiences. Our research involved patients to ensure the questions reflect real experiences with the mask.
There are four stages to the questionnaire development. During stages 1 and 2, we interviewed HNC patients, discussed their treatment experiences and developed a draft questionnaire.
This study is focusing on stages 3 and 4.
Stage 3
The questionnaire will be tested with HNC patients who are about to start radiotherapy with a mask. Participants (120 - 150) will complete the screening tool, State Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Adapted Distress Thermometer before and after treatment to check how well the questionnaire works and to remove any unnecessary questions.
Stage 4
Twenty patients will complete the updated version of the tool in the clinic setting. The responses and threshold scores will be used to trigger referral to additional support. Patients and their treating clinician will complete a debrief questionnaire to feedback on the ease of use and if it was helpful.
This 24-month study will be completed at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, which is providing the funding. To take part, participants must be diagnosed with HNC and planned to receive radiotherapy using a mask, aged over 18 (no upper age limit) and able to provide informed consent.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0138
Date of REC Opinion
13 May 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion