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Hart RI, Boyle D, Cameron DA, Cowie FJ, Hayward L, Heaney NB, Jesudason AB, Lawton J. Strategies for improving access to clinical trials by teenagers and young adults with cancer: A qualitative study of health professionals' views. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2021; 30:e13408. [PMID: 33474755 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Few teenagers and young adults (TYA) with cancer participate in clinical trials. Lack of opportunity has been identified as a major barrier. We canvassed health professionals' views on how TYA's access to trials might be improved. METHODS We interviewed 35 professionals with responsibility for delivering or facilitating cancer care and/or clinical trials. We analysed data using a qualitative descriptive approach. RESULTS Interviewees viewed improving TYA's access to trials as challenging, but possible. They reframed the problem as one of rare disease and surmised that modifying the organisation, administration and resourcing of research (and care) might expand opportunities for both TYA and other patients with low volume conditions. Proposals coalesced around four themes: consolidating the pool of patients; streamlining bureaucratic requirements; investing in the research workforce; and promoting pragmatism in trial design. CONCLUSION Accounts suggest there is scope to improve access to trials by TYA with cancer and other patients with rare diseases. Though re-configuring care, research and resource frameworks would present substantial challenges, doing nothing would also have costs. Change will require the support of a range of stakeholders, and agreement as to the best way forward. Further work, such as priority setting exercises, may be necessary to reach a consensus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth I Hart
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dorothy Boyle
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David A Cameron
- NHS Research Scotland Cancer Lead and Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Larry Hayward
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Angela B Jesudason
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Julia Lawton
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Aldiss S, Fern LA, Phillips RS, Callaghan A, Dyker K, Gravestock H, Groszmann M, Hamrang L, Hough R, McGeachy D, Morgan S, Smith S, Upadhyaya S, Veitch H, Veitch L, Williamson M, Whelan JS, Gibson F. Research priorities for young people with cancer: a UK priority setting partnership with the James Lind Alliance. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028119. [PMID: 31383701 PMCID: PMC6688702 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct a UK-wide survey of young people who have experienced cancer, carers and professionals, to identify and prioritise research questions to inform decisions of research funders and support the case for research with this unique cancer population. DESIGN James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. SETTING UK health service and community. METHODS A steering group oversaw the initiative and partner organisations were recruited. Unanswered questions were collected in an online survey. Evidence searching verified uncertainties. An interim survey was used to rank questions prior to a final prioritisation workshop. PARTICIPANTS Young people aged 13-24 years with a current or previous cancer diagnosis, their families, friends, partners and professionals who work with this population. RESULTS Two hundred and ninety-two respondents submitted 855 potential questions. Following a refining process and removal of 'out of scope' questions, 208 unique questions remained. Systematic evidence checking identified seven answered questions and 16 were the subject of ongoing studies. The interim survey was completed by 174 participants. The top 30 questions were prioritised at a workshop attended by 25 young people, parents and multidisciplinary professionals. The top three priorities are: (1) What psychological support package improves psychological well-being, social functioning and mental health during and after treatment? (2) What interventions, including self-care, can reduce or reverse adverse short-term and long-term effects of cancer treatment? (3) What are the best strategies to improve access to clinical trials? The remaining questions reflect the complete cancer pathway: new therapies, life after cancer, support, education/employment, relapse and end-of-life care. CONCLUSIONS We have identified shared research priorities for young people with cancer using a rigorous, person-centred approach involving stakeholders typically not involved in setting the research agenda. The breadth of priorities suggest future research should focus on holistic and psychosocial care delivery as well as traditional drug/biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie Aldiss
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Lorna A Fern
- Oncology Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Teenage, Young Adult and Germ Cell Clinical Studies Group, National Cancer Research Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Amy Callaghan
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Priority Setting Partnership steering group, London, UK
| | - Karen Dyker
- Oncology, Level 4, Bexley Wing, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Michael Groszmann
- Paediatric & Adolescent Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Leila Hamrang
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Priority Setting Partnership steering group, London, UK
| | - Rachael Hough
- Children and Young Peoples Cancer Service, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Demi McGeachy
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Priority Setting Partnership steering group, London, UK
| | - Sue Morgan
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK
| | - Sam Smith
- Service Delivery, Teenage Cancer Trust, London, UK
| | - Sheela Upadhyaya
- The James Lind Alliance, National Institute for Health Research Evaluation, Southampton, UK
| | - Helen Veitch
- Service Delivery, Teenage Cancer Trust, London, UK
| | - Lara Veitch
- Teenage, Young Adult and Germ Cell Clinical Studies Group, National Cancer Research Institute, London, UK
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Priority Setting Partnership steering group, London, UK
| | - Max Williamson
- Teenage, Young Adult and Germ Cell Clinical Studies Group, National Cancer Research Institute, London, UK
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Priority Setting Partnership steering group, London, UK
| | - Jeremy S Whelan
- Oncology Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Faith Gibson
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health, Illness and Disability (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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