The study of hydration status and complex symptoms in advanced cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The study of hydration status and complex symptoms in advanced cancer using bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA)
IRAS ID
196540
Contact name
Amara Nwosu
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
Many people with advanced cancer don’t feel the need to drink as much as their condition worsens. This can cause family members and friends to be concerned. Some may feel that providing fluids through ‘a drip’ is important. When someone is very close to the end-of-life, however, this can sometimes cause harm e.g. worsen breathing. There is very limited research in this area to guide doctors and nurses about what is the best thing to do for their patients.
We plan to measure ‘body water‘ in people with advanced cancer with a simple technique called bioimpedance. This involves putting small sticky pads on the hands and feet. A painless electrical current is then sent around the body, which measures ‘body water’ in a few seconds. We plan to invite family carers to complete a short written questionnaire. This is because we want to learn about carers’ views and experiences of ‘fluid drips’. This will help us learn about the most important issues for patients and their families. This information will help us to make learning resources to help doctors and nurses to answer the questions that patients and their family may have about ‘body water’ and ‘fluid drips’.
The first part of this study will help us to learn how practical it is to measure body water in people with cancer. We aim to find out the best way to involve people who are near the end of their lives. From this study we will learn the best way to work with patients and their families, so we can involve as many people as possible in research. This will lead to more research in hospices and hospitals about hydration in cancer. This study will be an important step to improve the lives of many people who are affected by cancer.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0050
Date of REC Opinion
4 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion