Understanding the experiences of patients with soft tissue sarcoma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the experiences of patients with soft tissue sarcoma throughout their diagnostic journey and during treatment.
IRAS ID
198090
Contact name
Rachael Powell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 17 days
Research summary
Patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and health professionals often fail to spot the signs and symptoms of malignancy early. Recent studies have attempted to explore the individual factors involved in the diagnostic journey of patients with STS. Some of these include: the size and type of tumour, age, and socioeconomic status of patients. However, these studies have failed to fully capture the experiences of these individuals within the context of their personal lives. It is therefore important to understand the experience of noticing symptoms and seeking help from the perspective of the cancer patient to establish how best to support patients in seeking medical support. It is also necessary to understand how patients experience the diagnostic process after they present to their GP or to A&E to ensure that patients receive appropriate support throughout.
Understanding a patient's perception of their treatment for cancer can help to guide treatment policies and improve a patient's experience and quality of life both throughout the treatment process, and after concluding treatment. However, relatively little information is understood specifically about patients with STS perceptions of treatment. Gaining a deeper, personal understanding of this will enable health professionals to provide the most effective care and support, as well as improving STS patients' experience throughout treatment.
This study uses a qualitative research design. Data will be collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews and will be transcribed verbatim. Participants who are eligible for this study will have been diagnosed with STS within the past five years and have previously received treatment. Only participants who are over the age of 18, with full autonomy and from the Greater Manchester or East Cheshire area will be eligible to participate. Interviews will be conducted at patients' homes or at the University of Manchester.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0234
Date of REC Opinion
7 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion