PANORAMA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
oPtimising post-dischArge care pathways after acute paNcreatitis: evaluatiOn of health seRvice utilisAtion, outcoMes
IRAS ID
349680
Contact name
Matthew J Lee
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Around 50,000 people have acute pancreatitis each year in the UK. This is inflammation of the pancreas gland. This causes pain and typically requires a hospital admission. It can lead to problems such as chronic pain, diabetes, and inability to digest food. We don't have good evidence on how to look after people following hospital discharge, up to around six months afterwards. Patients and clinicians have told us they want to improve this aspect of care. We have developed this multi method study to explore how people use healthcare following discharge after acute pancreatitis. This will use 5 work packages (WP)
WP1: We will undertake a short survey of patients or their carers, and clinicians to identify potential areas where post-discharge care might be improved. We will use these findings to influence WP2 & 3
WP2: We will invite people with lived experience of pancreatitis, or their carers, to participate in virtual interviews around their post-discharge care. This will explore what support they received, and what kind of support they think would be beneficial.
WP3: We will interview surgeons, gastroenterologists, GPs, and specialist nurses, to explore their opinions on post discharge care, and how this might be improved.
WP4: We will invite 1017 people who are being discharged from hospital after acute pancreatitis to join a cohort study. This will use remote follow-up to capture quality of life and health service use information. We will also capture data on changes in mental health.
WP5: We will hold a workshop to discuss findings with patients, carers, and clinicians. We will use the findings to propose changes in policy and future research questions.REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SC/0148
Date of REC Opinion
5 May 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion