Investigating peoples experiences of nutritional care - V1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Investigating peoples' perception and experiences of nutritional care in oncology (IPEN). A qualitative study

  • IRAS ID

    352125

  • Contact name

    Barry Laird

  • Contact email

    barry.laird@nhs.scot

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Edinburgh

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    Horizon Europe , 101057043; Innovate UK, 10, 047, 799

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 6 months, 17 days

  • Research summary

    People with a diagnosis of cancer, particularly incurable cancer, can present with significant malnutrition. The consequences of malnutrition in this population can be detrimental. Access to nutritional care can vary greatly but for those who receive nutritional care this can help to address nutrition impact symptoms, relieve patient and caregiver distress and help to improve quality of life.

    There is limited research investigating whether nutritional care needs are being met from a physical, psychological and social perspective, how nutritional care should be targeted towards patients and/or their caregivers and who is best placed to deliver nutritional care for cancer patients.

    The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of people with incurable cancer and primary caregivers of nutritional care for those who have experienced weight loss, in the community/out-patient setting.

    Research within healthcare has found qualitative methods using semi-structured interviews to be a useful research method for for capturing in-depth living experiences. By including people with incurable cancer and their primary caregivers will give a different perspectives on nutritional care in those with cancer.

    Each participant will be interviewed once, using a semi-structured questionnaire with open ended questions. This will allow participants to express their views and experiences openly. It is anticipated interviews will last from 30-60
    minutes. Interviews will be audio recorded with field notes taken. The interviews will be transcribed and analysed initially on a case by case basis.

    This study will be part of a PhD thesis and will be disseminated to the wider academic community through publications within peer reviewed journals.

  • REC name

    West of Scotland REC 3

  • REC reference

    25/WS/0029

  • Date of REC Opinion

    14 Mar 2025

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion