Patient involvement in diagnosing cancer in primary care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient involvement in diagnosing cancer in primary care
IRAS ID
186882
Contact name
Rebecca Lawton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 18 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND: Research suggests that patients have a central role in improving patient safety and that there are a number of ways that patients may be able assist in achieving a timely and accurate diagnosis. Work which identifies the ways that patients may help in diagnosis and whether these are acceptable to patients and healthcare professionals is required.
CURRENT STUDY: For patients with cancer, diagnostic delay can have a huge impact on treatment options and outcomes. The importance of clear communication about severity and persistence of symptoms and the role that patients can have in ensuring the follow-up and review of symptoms may be critical for early recognition, referral and treatment for cancer. This research will examine whether strategies that involve patients in diagnosing cancer in primary care are acceptable to all stakeholders and will also assess and identify the types of interventions that have the potential to become a sustainable component of standard care and assist the diagnosis of cancer in a primary care setting.
HOW: In depth interviews and focus groups exploring the potential ways that patients can be involved in helping to diagnose cancer in a primary care setting.
WHERE: Interviews will be conducted with patients, GPs and nurse practitioners and focus groups will be carried out with patients, GPs, nurse practitioners, primary care managers.
RESULTS: To identify the potential ways that patients can be involved in helping to diagnose cancer in a primary care setting, thematic analysis of interview and focus group data will be used.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0790
Date of REC Opinion
9 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion