Mixed Methods Study to Assess Family Members Unmet Needs in an Oncology Setting

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it can be a worrying and stressful time for patients and for their family members. Family members may provide practical and emotional support to patients, and may take on a caregiver role.

Family members may want more information or advice, or may benefit from emotional support themselves. The study aims to identify any gaps in the current support provided to family members so that services can be improved in the future.

Oncology patients in Singleton Hospital, Swansea will be asked by their oncology team to identify one or more family members to participate in the study. If a family member agrees to participate in the study, the research team will call them to complete a telephone questionnaire. The questionnaire should take less than 20 minutes and asks them some general questions (e.g. age, gender) and some questions about how they are feeling, what support services they find helpful and what additional support they feel would be beneficial.

Data regarding participating patients' cancer diagnosis and treatment will be collected from their medical notes.

After the questionnaire data has been analysed, optional follow-up interviews will be conducted with some family members to explore any issues identified in greater detail.

Patients and family members will be recruited during a 6 month recruitment period and all responses will be anonymised.

This is a pilot study which will not change the current support provided to family members, although they may be directed to existing services if appropriate. Patients' treatment will not be changed in any way.

Inclusion criteria

for patients

• diagnosed with a solid organ malignancy under the care of the oncology team
• able to identify at least one family member who may be willing to participate in the study

Inclusion criteria

for family members

• a family member of a patient diagnosed with a solid organ malignancy under the care of the oncology team

Exclusion criteria

for patients and family members

• medical or psychiatric condition impairing ability to consent
• the patient's treating oncologist's opinion is that participating in the study would cause severe distress to the patient or their family