Triadic communication in young people with cancer co-design study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation of triadic communication with teenagers and young adults with cancer and development of an educational intervention for healthcare professionals.
IRAS ID
328085
Contact name
Stephen Kelleher
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 21 days
Research summary
Around 2,500 young people aged 13-24 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK. Their experiences of communication with healthcare professionals are different from younger children or older adults. Conversations often involve a supporter, such as a parent or partner, this is called ‘triadic communication’. Young people want to be heard and dislike it when staff talk with their supporter without sufficiently involving them. They can end up disengaging and not adhering to treatment, which can lead to worse health outcomes.
This study aims to improve young cancer patients’ experiences of triadic communication. After reviewing existing research on this topic, I will work closely together with young people, supporters, and healthcare professionals to design an educational intervention that will train staff to communicate appropriately with young people and, when needed, offering to speak with them alone. The research will involve four phases, including getting feedback from healthcare professionals on prototype training, to make sure it meets everyone’s needs.
We will publish the findings in Academic and patient forums so this research can contribute to improving young people’s experiences of healthcare. My post-doctoral research will test formally how much the staff training intervention in triadic communication can improve health outcomes.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/YH/0152
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion