Mixed method study of prostate cancer patient discharge experience v.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Support needs and wishes of prostate cancer patients discharged to primary care. A mixed-methods, prospective study.
IRAS ID
173493
Contact name
Charikleia Margariti
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
The aim of the study is to answer these questions: What are the expectations and experiences of men with prostate cancer and their families of discharge to community care following hospital treatment? What factors are associated with good adjustment following discharge? Our goal is to inform models of practice to make the process of transferring care from secondary to primary teams simple and effective for patients, carers and staff and to inform the development of policy and practice in this area.
We will recruit men being discharged from the Homerton Hospital, Guy’s and St. Thomas Hospital and Barts Health NHS Trust following successful treatment for prostate cancer. We will also recruit the partners/carers of these men. Recruitment will take place over a period of 12 months. Before discharge each participant will complete a series of questionnaires relating to quality of life, social support, experiences of discharge and levels of psychological distress. We will also interview ten men and ten partners/carers about their expectations and concerns regarding discharge. We will follow up the men and their partner/carer at three months and at six months. They will all complete modified versions of the same questionnaires as before at each stage. We will also conduct interviews as before at each of the two follow-ups.
This study is important because survival times for men with prostate cancer have increased substantially, more survivors of prostate cancer will be discharged from hospital to primary care for follow-up and we need to know about their concerns, expectations and experiences. The National Cancer Survivorship Initiative has identified a greater focus on recovery, health and well-being after treatment and personalised care planning as important issues for cancer survivors. In order for these to be addressed the transition from hospital-based to primary care needs to be managed effectively.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0927
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion