Read the Programme Summary
Find out what the programme is about, who we work with, why the research is important and what we can do for you.
The Symptom Improvement Programme is the most established programme of work in the Cancer Care Research Centre and explores the symptoms that people have as a result of their cancer or because of treatment for cancer.
Why this research programme is important
Cancer treatments are now more effective than ever and, as a consequence, cancer is becoming a chronic disease: meaning that people are living longer with a diagnosis of cancer. Most people with cancer have a range of symptoms which impact upon their lives. The degree of symptoms can change with treatment or if the patient has cancer that is more advanced. Unfortunately, the management of symptoms in people with cancer is not the best it could be and poor symptom management can lead to increased levels of distress for patients and those caring for them. Indeed, in severe cases, poor management of symptoms can lead to hospitalisation or even death.
In Scotland there is limited information available about the range or level of symptoms that people with cancer experience and there is no consistent method of assessing symptoms in a structured fashion. However, effective symptom assessment and management is essential to improve people's experiences of cancer and cancer treatment.
What the programme will achieve
This research programme aims to improve the experiences of people affected by cancer by minimising symptom experiences. The research conducted as part of this programme will be used to improve the symptom experiences of people with cancer and those receiving cancer treatment. It will support the development of effective symptom assessment and management strategies within the NHS.
Outcomes of the research will ensure that people affected by cancer receive appropriate care for their individual symptoms, accessing local care where possible and specialist services where and when appropriate.
The research also addresses methods of symptom assessment and management, which are based on a model of anticipatory and preventative care, where early intervention is paramount and self care supported.
Who we will work with
We engage with patients in all the work we do. We work in collaboration with a large network of cancer clinicians at a national and international level.
Are you interested in being involved in this work? Click here
Current Projects
We are currently working on several studies but have also completed a range of studies since the inception of the CCRC in 2003. Details of these are found below.
- IMPACT Study. Developing neutropaenia guidelines for people with haematological and breast cancers
- End of Life dignity Intervention Study
- Validation and evaluatiing a Check list for End if Life Treatment Tool (CELT)
- Highland Hospice Outreach Service evaluation
- Telehealth scoping project
- NHS QIS. Developing guidelines for pain and skincare.
- Evaluation of Macmillan Health care support worker role in NHS Forth Valley
- ASyMS© Radiotherapy
- ASyMS© Palliative Care
- ASyMS© Haematological Australia
- ASyMS©Teenagers. In collaboration with Dr Faith Gibson, Great Ormond Street hospital, London.
Current PhD studies relating to the programme
Current Post-Doctoral Fellowships
- End of Life dignity Intervention Study
Completed projects
- Post Doctoral Fellowship Study: Exploring the experience of patients and carers regarding their care through the promotion of self care.
- Evaluation of the support NHS 24 provides for people affected by cancer
- The development of a risk modelling tool to predict chemotherapy related toxicity in patients with breast cancer having chemotherapy
- The influence of perceived control and self efficacy on patients' self-care behaviour during chemotherapy for cancer
- The SNA<->P study (Structured Nursing Assessment into Practice study)
- A case note review of chemotherapy-related symptoms (2000-2003)
- An evaluation of an advanced symptom management system (ASyMS© ) to monitor and manage chemotherapy related toxicity in patients with cancer having chemotherapy
- A study to assess the feasibility of an advanced symptom management system (ASyMS© -P) in the management of symptoms in patients receiving palliative care
- A study to assess the feasibility of an advanced symptom management system (ASyMS© -T) in the management of symptoms in teenagers having chemotherapy
- An evaluation of an exercise programme for women receiving chemotherapy for a diagnosis of early breast cancer
- Exploration of the feasibility and acceptability of patient involvement in oral care during a course of chemotherapy
- Using handheld computers to support patients receiving chemotherapy
- WISECARE+ (Workflow Information Systems for European Nursing Care)
- Mouth Care during Chemotherapy Treatment
Lead: Dr Bridget Johnston