Psychosocial needs in haematology cancer patients under watch and wait
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Psychosocial Needs of Adults with Haematology Cancer under Watch and Wait
IRAS ID
306624
Contact name
Thomas Schroder
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Innovation, University of Nottingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
10.17605/OSF.IO/FGDPE, Open Science Forum Registration DOI
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 28 days
Research summary
“Psychosocial need” is a phrase used to describe a person’s wish for support for anything that underlies their psychological wellbeing. There are many different psychosocial needs, but some examples are:
• Understanding diagnoses
• Having support available
• Not being able to do things you used to do
These needs are really important to help people feel well in themselves. There is evidence to suggest that the more unmet needs a person has, the more likely they are to experience psychological distress, such as depression or anxiety.
The aim of this research is to develop a deeper understanding of the psychosocial needs of people living with haematology cancer under the “watch and wait pathway” in the UK. Haematology cancer affects people’s bones, blood and lymphatic system. Individuals are placed on the watch and wait pathway when the cancer is slow-growing and does not cause symptoms or pain. Typically, individuals will have yearly or bi-yearly check-ups with their doctor to monitor their health. The researchers are interested in:
• What are these individuals’ psychosocial needs?
• When are they met?
• How do they change over a six-month period?
• Are the needs identified the same as those identified by people living with other cancer diagnoses?
Very little is understood about what support is needed for people living with cancer under watch and wait. Understanding needs further will help identify areas of support needed. Future research can use the findings to develop appropriate interventions to help services support patients better.
To answer the questions above, we will interview 12-15 adults living with haematology cancer under watch and wait. To learn about change over time, participants who took part in the first interview will be invited to a second interview six months later. Each interview is expected to last about an hour.REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/SC/0044
Date of REC Opinion
8 Mar 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion