The experience of hope for carers of people with lung cancer v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the lived experience of hope for informal carers of people receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer. A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study.
IRAS ID
258072
Contact name
Paula L Gawthorpe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 1 months, 19 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment following a diagnosis of lung cancer are often supported informally by a close relative or informal carer. Despite research exploring the value of hope during receipt of chemotherapy treatment in respect of the patient, and also for related healthcare professionals, there is a lack of focussed research relating to the informal carer experience of hope during chemotherapy treatment
AIM: to gain an understanding of the informal carer experience of hope, to potentially identify effective hope supporting strategies for use during chemotherapy treatment.
DESIGN: Qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology
SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: This study will take place within a Regional Cancer Centre based in an acute hospital trust in the north of England. Participants will be purposively selected, and will only include informal carers, aged 18 years and over, for individuals actively in receipt of lung cancer chemotherapy treatment.
DATA COLLECTION: Data will be collected via the use of unstructured interview, using open ended questioning. Prompts will be used as detailed in the attached topic guide. Paraphrasing, probing and use of silence will be facilitated to ensure correct understanding of meaning.
DATA ANALYSIS: An hermeneutic circle approach will used to facilitate data analysis, with the aim being to allow for deeper understanding and interpretation of the carer experience. Data analysis will be continuous, beginning initially at the point of interview, and is envisaged to develop further by building on interpretation and understanding during the overall process of data collection and beyond.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NE/0144
Date of REC Opinion
9 May 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion