Qualitative pulmonary nodule surveillance study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding patient experience of, psychological responses to, and healthcare communication practices for, pulmonary nodule surveillance in low dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening
IRAS ID
305981
Contact name
Samantha Quaife
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint Research Management Office, Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The UK are deciding whether to introduce a national lung cancer screening programme based on evidence that this reduces deaths. At the moment, the NHS run a smaller ‘Lung Health Check Programme’ offering lung cancer screening to high-risk adults in selected regions of England. The screening uses a scan of the chest (computed tomography) to look for early-stage cancer. In doing so, it also finds spots on the lungs (so-called ‘nodules’) that are usually harmless but require monitoring using repeat scans over several months and up to two years to check the nodules are not cancerous. Research suggests that most individuals cope well, but that some patients experience significant levels of psychological distress.
This qualitative study aims to achieve an in-depth understanding of patients’ experiences of, and psychological responses to, being diagnosed with a lung nodule through lung cancer screening, and having to undergo surveillance, as well as the communication and information they receive. A diverse sample of patients undergoing lung nodule surveillance, as well as healthcare professionals who communicate nodule diagnoses and surveillance, will be interviewed about their experience and communication practices. Individuals will be included from different regions in England and service settings. Eligible individuals will be identified from one of four lung cancer screening programme sites, including one NHS research site in London and three NHS participant identification centres (PICs) in the midlands and North of England.
This research prioritises a person-centred communication and delivery of lung nodule surveillance through lung cancer screening, key to optimising patient outcomes and the success of any future UK programme. Addressing this evidence gap is vital to inform the development of evidence-based, standardised and quality-assured principles for communication standards and resources, which promote psychological well-being, improve individuals’ experience and future participation in screening, minimise distress, and support health care professionals.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/0036
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jan 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion