Understanding inequities in access to stem cell transplantation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding inequities in access to stem cell transplant: A qualitative interview study
IRAS ID
351311
Contact name
Zareen Deplano
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Health inequalities mean some patients find it harder to access the treatment, care and support they need when they are ill. There is very little research in the stem cell transplant setting exploring the experiences of patients when diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and accessing Stem Cell Transplant (SCT), which is a potential cure for these patients. We know that the care and support a patient receives plays an important role in treatment options available to them and the management of post-transplant complications, therefore the experiences of caregivers* and healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in AML and MDS treatment, care and support will be included in this study. This research will be conducted by the University of Birmingham in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and Patients and Public Involvement Engagement (PPIE) groups. In this study, we want to understand the experiences and the decision-making process of patients diagnosed with AML and MDS, care givers, and the HCPs involved in their care, when accessing SCT treatment for their condition so that their health care can be designed in a way that meets patients’ and caregivers’ needs. We plan to conduct online, telephone or face to face interviews with AML and MDS patients at different stages of their treatment pathway. We will analyse and interpret the study findings with support from our PPIE group. The data obtained from this study will be used with the findings from other studies within this project to work with PPIE groups, NHS commissioners and HCPs to create a list of recommendations to level up access to SCT and improve outcomes and survival for these patients.
*Defined as individuals who have an active role in supporting the patient through their treatment.REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0584
Date of REC Opinion
26 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion