Optimal Intervals for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Surveillance. V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimising Intervals for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Surveillance Scans: An Analysis of Patient Opinions Using a Patient Decision Aid (PDA).
IRAS ID
227577
Contact name
Paul Burns
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Lothian
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
The National Abdominal Aortic Screening Programme (NAAASP) has been set up to offer all men, at the age of 65, a free scan to look for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). An AAA is a swelling of the main blood vessel which runs out of the heart and through the tummy. An AAA usually has no symptoms, but the bigger it gets, the more likely it is to burst. If it bursts, this could be fatal. Therefore, AAAs detected at screening are kept under surveillance until they get to a size where an operation may be needed. \n\nSince an AAA usually grows very slowly, it has been suggested that surveillance happens too often at the moment. Frequent surveillance puts the patient out needlessly and costs the NHS more – but no extensive research has asked patients what they think. \n\nEvidence shows that when patients share decision-making about their healthcare, the outcome is better for all involved. This study therefore aims to encourage shared decision-making about AAA surveillance intervals. \n\nTo help patients make decisions, patient decision aids (PDAs) can be useful. A PDA presents risks in easy to understand pictures. We’ll ask patients, who have a known AAA, which surveillance interval they think would be best for them before and after seeing a PDA. The PDA will show the risk of ‘exceeding the 5.5cm surgery threshold with respect to different surveillance intervals’. This lets patients make a decision based on the ‘trade off’ between the risk of their AAA reaching the size for maybe needing surgery and the inconvenience of going to hospital for regular scans.\n\nIt is hoped that our PDA will prove useful and get regular use for shared decision making. It may even help to shape future screening programmes.\n\n
REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0499
Date of REC Opinion
5 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion