The impact of chest wall deformity (Version 1.0)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of anterior chest wall deformity on the quality of life and physical function of children and young people.
IRAS ID
308131
Contact name
Ashley Johnstone
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The Scottish National Chest Wall Service provides children and young people with surgical and non-surgical treatment options for the correction of anterior chest wall deformity. The most common presentations of anterior chest wall deformity are pectus excavatum or 'funnel chest', and pectus carinatum 'pigeon chest'.
It is recognised that both pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum can have a negative effect on quality of life, self esteem, body image and social interaction. Previous research is however largely quantitative using standardised quality of life questionnaires and are based on young people that have undergone surgical correction. As a consequence, little is understood regarding the thoughts and feelings of children and young people with anterior chest wall deformity. Furthermore, the correction of anterior chest wall deformity is primarily driven by the psychosocial benefits from improved appearance, yet the potential physical impact of both pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum is less well understood.
Phase 3 of the research will be participant interviews with young people aged between 14 and 16 years of age. The interviews will aim to understand the experience of the participants who have an anterior chest wall deformity and to find out their views on possible treatment options. The patient interviews will be completed virtually or by telephone at a convenient time for the participant.
Phase 4 of the research will be completed with children aged eight to sixteen years old at their Chest Wall Clinic appointment measuring chest wall movement, lung function, breathing symptoms and fitness levels in addition to routinely recorded data.
The study is being carried out as a part of a self funded educational course for the award of PhD and will be completed at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. It will help understand both the psychosocial and physical impact of anterior chest wall deformity.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
23/WS/0002
Date of REC Opinion
31 May 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion