Patient Experience using PERT

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  An Exploration of Patient Experience of using Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy Following Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer

• IRAS ID

  168904

• Contact name

  Lisa Marie Phelan

• Contact email

  lmphelan1@sheffield.ac.uk

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 0 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  The aim of this qualitative project is to find out about the experience that patients have using pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). The research will focus specifically on patients who have undergone surgery (pylorus-preserving pancreatico-duodenectomy (PPPD) for pancreatic cancer (PC). The study will involve the researcher meeting with patients and carrying out an interview in order to find out what their thoughts are on taking this medication.
  Pancreatic enzyme insufficiency (PEI) may be a consequence of PPPD and occurs when the pancreas is unable to deliver adequate digestive enzymes to the small intestine, thus leading to malabsorption. Consequently, steatorrhea and weight loss are often experienced. PERT is warranted to facilitate nutritional improvement and bodyweight gain by correcting the cause of malabsorption. The efficacy of using PERT amongst PC patients has been well advocated. In 2005, grade A evidence emerged in the UK supporting the use of PERT to sustain weight and improve QOL amongst PC patients.

  However, despite this, many patients remain under-treated as PEI is seemingly poorly addressed in the clinical setting. Despite the suggested need for PERT amongst PC patients, many patients in fact are never prescribed PERT throughout the journey of their illness. For those who are prescribed PERT, studies exploring the trends of adherence are minimal, with only one study to date. It has long been acknowledged that the efficacy of PERT is higher when it is self-dosed by patients in a flexible manner. However, negligible data exists on how patients perceive or experience the use of PERT.

  This provides the significance for the current study which will seek to explore the patient reported barriers and facilitators associated with the self-management of PERT.The findings of this study will be used to inform and improve clinical practice surrounding appropriate patient guidance and support with using PERT.

• REC name

  Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  15/YH/0031

• Date of REC Opinion

  2 Mar 2015

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion