Patient Concerns Inventory Facial Skin Cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient Concerns Inventory Facial Skin Cancer
IRAS ID
364437
Contact name
Luke Butler
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Wirral University Hospital Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 7 days
Research summary
Facial skin cancer can profoundly affect a person’s appearance, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life. Following diagnosis and treatment, patients often experience a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety about cancer recurrence, visible scarring, changes in appearance, and reduced social confidence. Many of these issues may not be fully explored during standard medical consultations.
Currently, there is no dedicated Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI) for individuals with facial skin cancer (PCI-FC). The purpose of this research is therefore to develop and pilot a PCI-FC specifically designed for this patient group. Building on established PCI development methodology, the project will follow a structured multi-phase approach. Step 1, a comprehensive literature review to identify potential items, has already been completed and published. Step 2 will involve gaining consensus from a multidisciplinary clinical team to determine which items should be included. Step 3 will engage patients through semi-structured interviews to explore their views on the selected items. Step 4 will involve piloting the PCI-FC in a clinical setting.
The Facial Skin Cancer PCI will serve as a brief, patient-completed prompt list to help individuals identify concerns they wish to discuss during their clinic visits. This tool is intended to promote more meaningful and person-centred communication between patients and healthcare professionals, ensuring that no important issues are overlooked.
Adult patients who have undergone treatment for facial skin cancer will be invited to complete the PCI before their follow-up appointments. It is hoped that, ultimately, the PCI-FC will become a routine component of clinical care and improve the quality of consultations for people living with and beyond facial skin cancer.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0374
Date of REC Opinion
22 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion