Chronic Pancreatitis: Developing Patient-Centred Nutritional Care

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Chronic Pancreatitis: Towards a Comprehensive, Patient-Centred, Evidence-Based Model of Nutritional Care

• IRAS ID

  318281

• Contact name

  John S Leeds

• Contact email

  j.leeds@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 11 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  Background
  Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex disease that results in many symptoms. Alcohol is reported as the main cause, accounting for up to 60% of cases. The main symptoms of CP are crippling abdominal (stomach) pain, fatty diarrhoea and weight loss. These debilitating symptoms are caused by physical changes in the pancreas; gradually the pancreas loses the ability to work properly causing decreased production of digestive enzymes and insulin. This reduced function means that people with CP are not able to
  digest or absorb their food properly; they can develop diabetes and suffer with long-term severe abdominal pain. Not being able to properly digest food can cause weight loss and poor nutrition which can have a catastrophic impact on the quality of life of people living with CP.

  Primary Aim
  Develop an evidence-based therapeutic intervention to treat nutritional deficiencies and improve quality of life of people with CP

  Objectives
  1. Review findings from previously completed research investigating treatment of low weight and weight loss, and how well these treatments worked in people with CP.

  2. Interview people with CP to understand how the disease affects their weight, how these issues have affected their lives, and if they received the support they needed for this aspect of their care.

  3. Complete a detailed survey of health professionals working with people with CP looking at how weight loss is treated, how well they think these treatments work, and if they believe people with CP receive the support they need for this aspect of their care.

  4. People with CP together with a range of health professionals will develop an evidenced-based therapeutic intervention to treat nutrition and weight issues in people with CP, with the aim of improving weight, nutrition and so quality of life.

• REC name

  London - South East Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  23/PR/0570

• Date of REC Opinion

  11 Jul 2023

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion