Digital Support for Living With and Beyond Gynaecological Cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Digital Support for Living With and Beyond Gynaecological Cancer
IRAS ID
262882
Contact name
Lisa A Wood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Radiotherapy treatment for gynaecological cancer places an exceptional burden on patients. The long term side effects include psychosocial and physical symptoms including depression, anxiety, fear of dying, fatigue, pain, bladder dysfunction and irritation, inflammation of the rectum, narrowing of the vaginal opening, weakening of the vaginal walls, infertility, and premature menopause. These treatment related effects have significant impacts on sexual health, body image, gender role functioning (femininity), sexual functioning and fertility. Although advances in technological treatment techniques are being made, developments in holistically supporting the patient have not kept pace and new treatments are often associated with a range of adverse physiological and psychological side effects. There is therefore an unmet clinical need to support this group of patients, psychologically, beyond radiotherapy. This project aims to meet that need through the co-creation of a digital intervention that addresses well-being of women living with and beyond treatment for gynaecological cancer.
This is a co-design project with a specific focus on early prototype development through patient and public involvement. The project aim is to co-create a digital intervention that addresses well-being of women living with and beyond treatment for gynaecological cancer. This will be achieved through:
1. A review of the state of the art for digital provision of information and support for women living with and beyond treatment for gynaecological cancer;
2. Five co-design workshops with participants who have undergone treatment for gynaecological cancer, clinical staff and key stakeholders to identify and co-develop the most appropriate intervention;
3. Development of design brief for the intervention to support women appropriately living with and beyond treatment for gynaecological cancer with particular attention to well-being;
4. Co-creation of a digital intervention (working prototype);
5. Initial testing and exploration of user experience of prototype intervention;
6. Publication of results of the design process and pilot evaluation.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
19/WS/0058
Date of REC Opinion
22 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion