MSc Advanced Practice: Research Project: 23 hour pathway (Version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploration of breast cancer patient's experience of the 23 hour pathway
IRAS ID
164785
Contact name
Michael Coughlan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Saint George's University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 10 days
Research summary
Breast cancer continues to be the most common women’s cancer in the UK (Cancer Research UK, 2012). The incidence of breast cancer is estimated to increase by around 24% over the next 15 years (NHS Improvements, 2011). Therefore, increasing pressure on inpatient cancer services. There are a number of initiatives looking at reducing the length of hospital stay (LoS) for breast cancer patients’ (Department of Health, 2007 and 2011, NHS Improvements 2012). The 23 hour breast pathway was introduced locally in 2011. This pathway aims to streamline services therefore reducing the LoS by 50% (NHS Improvements, 2011).
I propose to complete a qualitative study exploring breast cancer patients’ experiences of using the pathway. This research is not aimed at changing the national pathway, its focus is to explore areas to enhance the patient’s experience.
Patients’ who have capacity and are using the pathway, will be eligible and invited to attend a focus group of 10 breast cancer patients. During the focus group they will be encouraged to explore their experiences of the breast services pre and post operation. They will be asked what information and support they received, and whether they felt they have had sufficient time and information to explore any questions, concerns or thoughts they had prior to surgery. They will be encouraged to comment on the environment and finally they will be asked to generate ideas on how the breast services may be improved for future patients.
The study will be based in one National Health Service trust and will last no longer than 1 year from recruitment to publishing the results. Any documentation and transcriptions will be stored in a locket cabinet in a locked room within the hospital trust until ratification at the University board.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0614
Date of REC Opinion
27 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion