Mixed Methods Study to Assess Family Members Unmet Needs in an Oncology Setting
This study is happening in Singleton Hospital, Swansea, and it's focusing on the family members of people with cancer. When someone has cancer, it can be a really tough time for their loved ones. Family members often give a lot of help and support, but they might also need support for themselves, like more information or someone to talk to. This research aims to find out if family members feel they need more help and what kind of help would be most useful. By understanding these needs, the study hopes to suggest better ways to support families in the future. If you take part, you'll be asked to answer some questions over the phone about your experiences.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone is told they have cancer, it's often a very worrying and stressful period, not just for the patient, but for their whole family. Family members often step in to offer practical help and emotional support, and they might even become caregivers. They might also need extra information, advice, or emotional support for themselves during this difficult time. This study wants to understand if there are any gaps in the support currently offered to family members of cancer patients, with the goal of making these services better for everyone in the future.
The main questions this study wants to answer are: how many family members feel they need more support, and what kind of support they believe would really help them. To do this, researchers will invite family members of cancer patients at Singleton Hospital in Swansea to share their experiences. They'll also look at some information from the patient's medical records about their cancer diagnosis and treatment. This research is a 'pilot study', which means it's a smaller, early-stage study to test ideas and see what they find.
It's important to know that this study won't change the support family members currently receive, although if appropriate, you might be signposted to existing helpful services. Crucially, it will not change the patient's cancer treatment in any way. All the information collected will be kept private and anonymised, meaning your name won't be linked to your answers.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to understand the support needs of family members of cancer patients.
- It's a questionnaire by phone, taking less than 20 minutes.
- Participation will not change the patient's medical treatment.
- All your answers will be kept private and anonymous.
- The goal is to improve future support services for families.
- You can choose to stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to take part in this study, the patient must have a solid cancer (not a blood cancer) and be receiving care from the oncology team at Singleton Hospital. They also need to be able to suggest at least one family member who might want to join the study.
The family member who takes part must be a relative of a patient with a solid cancer who is under the care of the oncology team at this hospital.
However, you won't be able to join if you or the patient have a medical or mental health condition that would stop you from properly understanding and agreeing to take part. Also, if the patient's cancer doctor thinks that joining the study would be too upsetting for the patient or their family, then you wouldn't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is the patient you're related to being treated for a solid cancer at Singleton Hospital?
- Are you a direct family member of this patient?
- Do you feel well enough to understand and answer questions?
- Has the patient's cancer doctor said taking part would be okay for you and the patient?
What does participation involve?
If you and the patient you're connected to are eligible and agree to take part, the research team will call you at a convenient time. You'll be asked to complete a questionnaire over the phone, which should take less than 20 minutes. This questionnaire will ask some general questions about you, how you're feeling, what support you find helpful, and what other support you think would be beneficial. The researchers will also quietly collect some details about the patient's cancer diagnosis and treatment from their existing medical notes. After all the questionnaires are completed, a few family members might be invited for an optional follow-up telephone interview to discuss things in more detail. Your participation would last for this single phone call, and potentially one follow-up interview.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- South West Wales Cancer CentreVerified postcodeSwansea, United Kingdom
Common questions
What kind of cancer does the patient need to have?
The patient needs to have a solid cancer (like breast, lung, or bowel cancer) rather than a blood cancer, and be under the care of the Singleton Hospital oncology team.
How long will it take to complete the telephone questionnaire?
The telephone questionnaire is expected to take less than 20 minutes of your time.
Will my answers be kept private?
Yes, all your responses will be made anonymous, meaning your name will not be linked to your answers, and confidentiality will be maintained.
Will taking part change the patient's cancer treatment?
No, participating in this study will not change the patient's cancer treatment in any way.
Do I have to do the follow-up interview?
No, the follow-up interview is completely optional, and you don't have to take part if you don't want to.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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