Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

ENHANCE - Evaluating the Implementation of Head and Neck Cancer E-health

The NHS wants to give people more control over their health using digital tools. This study, called ENHANCE, is looking at a special smartphone app for people with head and neck cancer who are treated at Guy's Cancer Centre in London. We want to find out if the app is easy to use, helpful for managing their health during treatment, and what makes it work well or not so well for both patients and staff. The aim is to understand how these types of apps can best be used to support cancer patients, and to help improve digital health services for everyone with cancer across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

14 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2025

Head and Neck Neoplasms

What is this study about?

The NHS is always looking for new ways to help people manage their health, and giving patients more control through digital tools like smartphone apps is one of their goals. This study, called ENHANCE, focuses on people in London who have head and neck cancer and are using a special support app from Guy's Cancer Centre.

We want to learn if this app is truly helpful for patients during their cancer treatment. This means checking if it's user-friendly, if it helps them look after themselves better, and what makes it easier or harder for both patients and the healthcare team to use. The study will combine different ways of gathering information, like questionnaires and interviews, to get a full picture of how the app is working.

The information we collect will be really important. It will help us understand the good things about the app and any challenges, which means we can make these digital tools even better for people with cancer in the future. Ultimately, this research will help shape how digital health support is offered to cancer patients across the whole of the UK.

Key takeaways

The study explores how well a cancer support app helps people with head and neck cancer.
It aims to improve digital health tools for cancer patients across the UK.
You don't take new medicines; the focus is on the app and your experience.
Patients currently getting head and neck cancer treatment may be eligible.
Your feedback helps shape better future cancer care.
You can stop participating at any time without it affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to two groups of people:

Firstly, if you are currently receiving treatment for head and neck cancer and are being looked after by a cancer specialist, you might be able to take part.

Secondly, if you are a healthcare professional involved in caring for head and neck cancer patients who use this app, or if you're involved in setting up the app, you could also be eligible. Unfortunately, if you can't speak or understand English, you won't be able to join the study as we don't have translation services available. Also, patients with very advanced illness (called ECOG Performance Status Scale level 3 or 4) at the start of the study cannot 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.

Are you currently receiving treatment for head and neck cancer?
Are you cared for by a cancer specialist (oncologist)?
Can you speak and understand English?
Are you able to use a smartphone or tablet for an app?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study does not involve taking any new medications. You'll be asked to use the cancer support app as part of your treatment. Taking part will involve filling out questionnaires about how you find using the app and if it helps you manage your health. Some people will also be invited to take part in interviews to share their experiences in more detail. The study will use information that is already being collected about your health. The total time you'd be involved would depend on your course of treatment and the interviews, if you choose to do them.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help improve future digital support services for people with cancer, though it may not directly benefit your own health. You might find completing questionnaires or interviews takes up some of your time. All your information will be kept private. You are free to decide not to take part or to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'head and neck cancer e-health app'?

It's a smartphone application designed to help people with head and neck cancer manage their health and care during treatment.

Why is this study important?

It helps us understand if digital tools like this app are useful for cancer patients and how to make them better for everyone across the UK.

Who is running this study?

Researchers at Guy's Cancer Centre in London, a major cancer treatment centre in the UK, are conducting the study.

Do I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study is about using a smartphone app, not about new medicines.

What if I change my mind about taking part?

You can decide to leave the study at any time, and it won't affect your medical treatment.