STOLEN
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The psychosocial needs and preferences of people with haematological cancers whose vaccine is not sufficiently effective
IRAS ID
319477
Contact name
Sarah Noakes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 26 days
Research summary
An increase in psychosocial difficulties in people with cancer due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been well documented. The vaccination programme offers hope for cancer patients, however emerging research indicates people with haematological cancers are significantly less protected in comparison to their countertypes with solid tumours and the more general population. As normal social routines are re-established, people with haematological cancers have expressed feeling ‘left behind’, in a state of ongoing alert, due to their naturally increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and limited vaccine protection. This poses a new risk for reduced quality of life and future psychosocial difficulties including social anxiety, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, low mood and depression. Psychologists are well placed to support this population, however, to date it is not known which, if any, of the currently available psychosocial interventions (e.g. online support communities, self-help resources, specialist psychological input, etc.) are seen as relevant and appropriate by the affected group of patients, and what barriers to access are real and perceived.
Working across 5 London Cancer Alliance sites, this two-year, mixed methods study will provide current evidence on the subjective experiences of haematological cancer patients psychological distress, quality of life and wellbeing during the first waves of COVID-19; and will seek to explore the impact of decreased antibody response and on-going susceptibility to COVID-19 infection within the context of present day lessening of COVID-19 rules and restrictions. Furthermore, the study will also seek to gain a deeper understanding of the clinical psychosocial support needs and preferences for those most in need within this population and to produce clinical guidance and education for clinicians working to support the mental health and wellbeing of people with haematological cancers.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EE/0118
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jun 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion