Watch and Wait
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Watch and Wait - Examining potential impact of uncertainty on depression, anxiety and trauma in patients with untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) or Low Grade Lymphomas (LGL)
IRAS ID
210556
Contact name
Tina Hickey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 2 days
Research summary
The study will follow 45 patients newly diagnosed with CLL/LGL who do not require treatment intervention at this stage of their disease but are monitored on what is commonly described as 'watch and wait' pathway. The main benefit for these patients on "watch and wait" is that they are not exposed to a serious form of treatment before it is deemed necessary.
There is very little research to describe the quality of life patients experience whilst on "watch and Wait", nearly all clinical studies in this group of patients have been confined to trials studying the effects of different chemotherapy regimens on quality of life. Therefore the lack of data on what quality of life and psychological issues patients’ face limits the ability of healthcare professionals to deliver effective support to address patient needs.
Firstly, this study aims to capture information regarding the impact the diagnosis of CLL/LGL has had on a patients' quality of life, in particular, potential levels of anxiety, depression and trauma. Secondly, we would like to understand if potential levels of anxiety, depression and trauma change over the first year following their diagnosis. Thirdly, does “uncertainty” with regards their illness have any influence on potential levels of anxiety depression over time.
Consenting participants will be asked to complete 3 different questionnaires at 4 time points .
1) measure of anxiety and depression
2) measure of uncertainty in illness
3) measure of psychological trauma.
They will be asked to complete the questionnaires at diagnosis, again at 3 months, 6 months and finally 12 months.
Data analysis will examine changes in psychological symptoms over the 12 month period and use regression analysis to examine whether a measure of uncertainty predicts psychological responses to being monitored on 'watch and wait' pathway and whether it predicts change in psychological symptoms at 12 months.REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0414
Date of REC Opinion
4 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion