What is the project about?
The project is looking at the specific information and support needs of patients and their main carer affected with laryngeal cancer from diagnosis through treatment and into their follow up care. The project will also explore health professional's perspectives of caring for patients with laryngeal cancer and the issues that affect them.
How is the research carried out?
After a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer has been confirmed, patients and their main carer will be asked to participate in 3 serial in-depth interviews. The exploratory interviews will be at specific stages throughout the first year, the 1st after diagnosis, the 2nd during treatment and the 3rd and final interview approximately one year after diagnosis. Exploratory interviews with key health professionals closely involved with the patient during their 1st year will be carried out and two focus groups with key health professionals involved in the referral of this group of patients will be carried out towards the end of the study
What are the findings expected to add to current practice?
It is intended that the project will provide an insight into the specific information and support needs of this group of patients that will inform an information strategy for health professionals across both the Primary and Acute Sectors. The study will also make recommendations for public health initiatives to assist in detection of this cancer.
What is the current stage of the project?
The project is in year 2 and ethical approval has been obtained and the researcher is awaiting approval from the specific hospitals where recruitment will take place. All clinical staff from the specific sites area ware of the project and recruitment should start at the beginning of March 2007.
When will the project be completed?
The project will be completed at the end of November 2008
Funding Information
Cancer Research UK Nursing Research Training Fellowship