CONSIDER-19: Communicating surgical decisions during COVID-19 [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Communicating Surgical Decision-Making during the COVID-19 pandemic: colorectal cancer (CONSIDER-19-CRC)
IRAS ID
286632
Contact name
Leila Rooshenas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 11 days
Research summary
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has changed how NHS care is delivered. The surge of critically unwell patients has led to many services being cancelled or postponed, including planned operations for bowel cancer. Usual approaches to treating bowel cancer have also needed to adapt for safety reasons, to reduce the risk of exposing patients to COVID-19. However, a short pause or change to normal bowel cancer services can also have potentially serious effects on patients’ quality of life and survival. \n\nWhile the peak of infections may have passed, resuming normal NHS services will take time. The NHS recommends a system to prioritise patients, to ensure those most in need receive their operation first. There will, however, be a backlog of patients awaiting surgery, and some may be offered non-surgical or palliative care. Healthcare professionals need to clearly communicate information about delays and changes to bowel cancer treatment with patients. These conversations can be complex, but it is important they are delivered well, so that patients can make informed decisions and adhere with clinical recommendations. \n\nThe aim of this project is to investigate how decisions about the surgical management of bowel cancer are formulated and communicated with patients as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. We intend to interview clinical professionals about the changes to colorectal cancer services since the onset of the pandemic, and audio-record their clinical consultations with patients. Eligible patients include individuals with a diagnosis of bowel cancer, who are candidates for surgical intervention, or have undergone surgical intervention over the course of the study period. We also intend to interview patients, to investigate their perspectives on their care, and the information communicated to them by clinical professionals.\nThe study will last 10 months, and will take place across at least 3 NHS hospital Trusts in England.\n
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/YH/0245
Date of REC Opinion
14 Aug 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion