Person-centred care in cancer imaging v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Person-centredness in cancer imaging: A constructivist grounded theory study of service user and provider perspectives.
IRAS ID
356250
Contact name
Victoria Hughes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Chester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
SHMS13-03-2025, Sponsor letter reference number
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
This research aims to explore the perception of service users and diagnostic radiography staff, in the giving and receiving of person-centred care in cancer imaging, within a specialist cancer Trust in the UK.
It has the following objectives:
• To explore service user perceptions and experiences of imaging services in cancer.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to person-centred care in cancer imaging from service user and radiography staff perspectives.
• To identify the factors that influence the attitudes and behaviours of diagnostic radiography staff in providing person-centred care during cancer imaging procedures.
The desired outcome is to develop a model of the factors involved in creating a positive, person-centred experience for people undergoing diagnostic imaging in cancer.
Background:
Cancer pathways involve regular x-rays or scans during diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. The time efficiency required within imaging creates a dehumanising ‘conveyer belt’ perception, and the technological environment can create procedural anxiety and perceived loss of control. The term ‘scanxiety’ defines the anxiety induced by cancer surveillance imaging and fear of results, with complex influencing factors. Cancer diagnosis has associations with stigma and can affect a person’s self-concept, making it important to understand the factors that matter to individuals during their imaging pathway.
For staff, the emotional labour within fast moving and emotive environments, intensifies compassion fatigue. Therefore, to understand the factors in person-centredness, the perspective of both those providing, and receiving care, must be considered.
The research will involve semi-structured qualitative interviews, with two participant groups - adult patients with experience of Diagnostic Imaging during cancer diagnosis and treatment, and staff working within a specialist cancer imaging department.
Exploring the perspectives of both groups, regarding what matters to patients, and the factors which influence staff attitudes and behaviour, will inform the evidence base for person-centred care in this specialist field of diagnostic radiography.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0315
Date of REC Opinion
28 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion