Patients' health experience after hepatitis C treatment version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploration of patients' experience of health, well being and quality of life , six to eighteen months after completion of anti-viral therapy for hepatitis C.
IRAS ID
125603
Contact name
Anna Chesters
Contact email
Research summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate the experiences of patients' health, wellbeing and quality of life six to eighteen months after anti-viral therapy for hepatitis C. This includes investigating any persistent physical and psychological side effects post treatment. In addition, an evaluation of patients satisfaction with the nurse led clinic at the end of treatment shall be captured and any unmet support needs of the patient post treatment shall be highlighted. A recent literature review has highlighted that ‘patients experience’ post treatment is scant. Many authors and patients testimonies have reported evidence of on-going psychological and physical side effects after treatment despite pharmaceutical and clinicians assurance that all side effects should resolve after treatment stops. Patients who have completed anti viral treatment for their hepatitis C six to eighteen months ago shall be asked to complete a one time snap-shot self reporting questionnaire. Participants who have consented to receive clinic letters detailing their diagnosis through the post will be sent and invited to complete the questionnaire at home.Participants who do not consent to clinic letters being sent through the post will be invited to complete the questionnaire when they attend their routine appointment at the outpatient liver treatment clinic. They shall also have the opportunity to take the questionnaire home.
It is predicted that the results of this study shall accommodate greater insight into patients experience post treatment. Consequently, this will inform future nursing practice and guidelines in relation to post treatment advice.
The participants that are sent the postal questionnaires shall be given four weeks to respond to the questionnaire. The clinic questionnaires shall be distributed over a six week period and if they choose to take the questionnaire home they shall be given two weeks to respond.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/1032
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jun 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion