PSIP version 1.1

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Positive Steps to Inclusive Palliative Care (PSIP)

• IRAS ID

  354753

• Contact name

  Felicity Dewhurst

• Contact email

  Felicity.Dewhurst1@newcastle.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Newcastle University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 5 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  Overview:
  The Positive Steps to Inclusive Palliative Care (PSIP) study aims to identify and address the needs of individuals with life-limiting conditions in Newcastle. Through analysis of focus groups and questionnaires, the outputs of the study will be used to co-design an inclusive, equitable care model tailored to participants' needs.

  Problem Statement:
  Many individuals face unmet needs in palliative care, including:
  • Unaddressed Needs: Physical, emotional, spiritual, and social support gaps.
  • Inequity in Access: Marginalised communities may struggle to access appropriate care due to poverty or cultural barriers.

  Objectives:
  1. Identify unmet needs in people with life limiting illnesses.
  2. Identify barriers and facilitators to culturally and socially inclusive care.
  3. Co-design an evidence-based model to improve accessibility and quality of care.

  Target Audience:
  • Patients: Individuals with life-limiting conditions registered at Newcastle GP practices.

  Methodology:
  1.Focus Groups
  • Purpose: In-depth discussions on experiences, unmet needs, barriers to and facilitators of appropriate palliative care provision.
  • Participants: 6-10 individuals per group, mixture of role and demographics.
  • Duration: 60-90 minutes.

  2.Questionnaires
  • Purpose: Broader reach for those unable to attend focus groups.
  • Format: Online and postal options.

  Key Questions:
  1. Impact of Illness: How does it affect your daily life and relationships?
  2. Current Support: What support do you receive, and is it effective?
  3. Unmet Needs: What additional support would improve your quality of life?
  4. Awareness & Accessibility: What do you know about hospice care? Are there barriers to access?
  5. Open Feedback: What else should we ask? How can we improve communication?

• REC name

  East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/EE/0255

• Date of REC Opinion

  19 Dec 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion