The PACS Study (V1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding Paediatric Ambulatory Chemotherapy Service Provision Within the UK (The PACS Study)
IRAS ID
339023
Contact name
Jessica Morgan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 28 days
Research summary
Many children and young people affected by cancer in the UK receive their treatment in hospital as inpatients, however, research has shown that long hospital stays can have negative psychosocial impacts for patients and their families. Ambulatory chemotherapy (AC) involves the continuous infusion of drugs and/or supportive treatments to patients away from the hospital setting (for example, as outpatients at home) and research has demonstrated benefits for patients, families and healthcare providers. Whilst AC is relatively well developed in adult services, it is an emerging area in paediatric oncology.
The aim of the research is to understand the current status of paediatric AC provision across the UK including both how services have been implemented and the current experience of receiving or delivering care.
This study will use qualitative research methods and follow two key phases. Phase one (service mapping) will involve semi-structured interviews with clinical leads across all 20 Principal Treatment Centres (PTCs), followed by phase two, which will focus on 8-10 selected case study sites, collecting data from professionals, patients and their families through participant observation, interviews and photovoice.
Recruitment for Phase one will take place via the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia group (CCLG) leads for each site. Local R&D approvals will be sought prior to data collection at each case study site.
Framework analysis will be used to synthesise and analyse data including exploring similarities and differences between centres. Findings will inform future research in this area and AC services for children and young people.
The two-year research project is funded by the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) in partnership with Young Lives vs Cancer and will be led by researchers at Leeds Children's Hospital and University of Surrey.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
25/WA/0349
Date of REC Opinion
27 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion