Impact of a breast cancer support service (IBCSS): a feasibility study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A mixed methods feasibility study to test the impact of an integrated third sector support service (i.e. Breast Cancer Haven) on self-management, quality of life and use of NHS services in breast cancer.
IRAS ID
245591
Contact name
Deborah Fenlon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Swansea University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
This is a feasibility study to test out the study design and methods that will be used in a larger trial later. The larger trial will investigate whether an embedded third sector personalized programme of support people with breast cancer (i.e. Breast Cancer Haven (BCH)) can help improve people’s ability to manage cancer related problems, enhance quality of life and reduce their reliance on NHS health services. The trial design will compare one centre where the BCH intervention is embedded into the treatment pathway (at Worcestershire Royal Hospital (WRH)) with another centre (at Singleton Hospital, Swansea) where the BCH intervention is not available. Participants from both hospital sites will complete questionnaires at baseline (post intervention), three and six month recording their treatment, use of NHS services, personal costs, level of anxiety, depression, quality of life, confidence to manage and ability to adapt their cancer experience. Two healthcare professionals (e.g. breast cancer nurse, surgeon) and three to six service users from each BCH therapy group (up to 36) will be invited for interviews at the end of treatment to explore their experience of the BCH programme and study processes.Summary of Results
From October, 2019 to March, 2020, a total of 62 subjects were approached in the study. Among which, 32 breast cancer patients were identified as eligible to participate at the Breast unit in Worcestershire Royal Hospital (WRH) to participate in the intervention group, while 30 breast cancer patients who met the eligibility criteria were approached at the Breast unit in Singleton Hospital (SH), Swansea, to form the control group. Ultimately, in WRH, 26 women agreed to participate in the study, resulting in a recruitment rate of 81.2%. While In SH, 28 women were interested to join in, leading to a recruitment rate of 93.3%.The anxiety and depression levels of participants in the intervention group were found lower than that in the control group. And level of quality of life was found higher among people in the intervention group.
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
19/WA/0113
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jul 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion