Promoting good outcomes in LGBT cancer care.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Promoting good outcomes in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) cancer care: a qualitative study of patients' experiences and interactions with health professionals in clinical oncology.
IRAS ID
180271
Contact name
Jayne Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
De Montfort University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 12 months, days
Research summary
Up to 4,000 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people living with cancer in the UK. There is increasing recognition that social characteristics influence outcomes for cancer. The Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) of 67,000 patients found that in comparison to the heterosexual respondents, LGBT people reported less positive patient experiences in areas such as: accessible information, psychosocial support, dignity and respect, and management of pain. For example, they were more likely to feel as if they were treated as a set of cancer symptoms rather than as a whole person. No previous studies have been conducted about Trans patients’ experiences of cancer care. This study intends to promote better understanding about LGBT people's experiences of cancer care by producing resources for cancer professionals and better information and support for LGBT people with cancer.
Phase 1:
40 LGBT people aged 18-80 will be interviewed about their experiences of cancer care and treatment. Eligible participants will: have received a diagnosis of cancer in the last five years but not less than three months ago, and be cognitively competent. Patients will be offered an information pack by clinicians at five NHS sites: Nottingham University Hospitals, University Hospitals of Leicester, The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Patients will then have the opportunity to take part in individual interviews.Phase 2:
Focus groups with a total of 40 cancer professionals (5 groups of approximately 8 clinicians from each hospital) will be conducted to investigate perceptions of providing care to LGBT patients. Posters will be available and information packs will be distributed to oncology clinicians informing them of the opportunity to take part.The study will be undertaken over approximately twelve months.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0060
Date of REC Opinion
3 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion