Paediatric Oncology Treatment for Rural Families: a Dyadic Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Challenges Associated with Paediatric Oncology Treatment for Rural Families: A Dyadic Study
IRAS ID
273260
Contact name
Sarah McFarline
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research, Development & Innovation, NHS Highland
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background \nSurvivorship rates for children and young people (CYP) have now reached 82% across all cancers (Children with Cancer UK, 2019). Increasing numbers of survivors mean that there is an increased need for research to examine the transition period following the acute phase of treatment. \n\nPrevious research has shown that cancer causes high levels of distress for all members of the family (Houtzager, Grootenhuis & Last, 1999). There can be extra burden on these families if they are required to travel long distances to receive treatment (NICE, 2005).\n\nResearch Question\nThe aim of the present study is to explore the experience of families from the Highlands who are required to travel long distances for their child to receive treatment.\n\n\nMethods \nAdolescents (aged 10-19) who have travelled to receive cancer treatment and a parent/caregiver will be included in this study. A clinician from the Oncology team at Raigmore Hospital will provide information and invite families to take part in the study. The researcher will contact interested families to arrange interviews. Before the interviews, written informed consent will be gained, highlighting that participation is voluntary and they can withdraw from the study at any time.The study will use individual semi-structured interviews, lasting approximately one hour. The interviews will be recorded, typed up word for word. Each participant will be interviewed once. \n\nEthical issues \nData gathered will be treated with confidentiality so that participants cannot be identified. Any identifiable information will be removed, such as names, to protect participants’ identity. Data will be stored securely and destroyed in accordance with GDPR. \n\nImpact \nThe findings will be shared with the Oncology team and Paediatric Psychology team. The study will contribute towards a doctorate qualification in Clinical Psychology and it is hoped that it will be submitted for publication in a scientific journal.\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
20/NS/0031
Date of REC Opinion
2 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion