Online Needs for Young People with Cancer

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Online information and support needs for young people with cancer

  • IRAS ID

    210309

  • Contact name

    Lorna Fern

  • Contact email

    lorna.fern@uclh.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University College London NHS Foundation Trust Hospitals

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 7 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    What is the problem?
    Cancer patients frequently turn to online resources for information and support, 24 hour access, anonymity and increased use of smart phones are all thought to contribute to increasing use. Despite this, how far existing resources meet the information and support needs of young people with cancer have not yet been explored.

    What are our aims?
    I) To explore the questions listed below with young people and healthcare professionals:
    How much do existing online and support resources meet the needs of young people with cancer?
    What is the optimal delivery of online content in terms of format and how it is presented?
    What are the views of healthcare professionals caring for young people on accessing online information and support for young people with cancer?
    How can Teenage Cancer Trust provide digital on line support for young people?

    II) Provide recommendations to Teenage Cancer Trust on how best to provide online/digital support and information for young people with cancer.

    How will we do this?
    This study has five phases:
    I) The study will recruit 30 young people (13-24 years) with a previous cancer diagnosis within the last five years to take part in three workshops (including focus group, interactive activities) conducted away from hospital setting. We will be recruiting patients from the point of diagnosis up to five years post treatment.
    II) Further consensus will be gained at the annual patient conference Find Your Sense of Tumour with around 200 young people using interactive digital technology.
    III) Healthcare professionals (n=15) will take part in a telephone interview.
    IV) Further online consultation will be sought with up to 100 professionals.
    V) A final consensus meeting will take place between Teenage Cancer Trust Digital Team and other stakeholders including professionals and young people.

  • REC name

    London - Brent Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/LO/1661

  • Date of REC Opinion

    21 Oct 2016

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion