The CHOICES study
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Understanding How Clinicians, Older Individuals diagnosed with Cancer & their Significant others Establish decisions regarding treatment and support.
This study is seeking participants who have been involved in making decisions following a diagnosis of cancer or those who have supported these individuals through the decision-making process. This could be health care professionals or those closest to the individual, their significant others for example family, member, or friend.
To summarise the CHOICES research:
WHAT?
How older people, their significant others and health care professionals decide on what care (treatment or supportive care) a person should have when diagnosed with cancer.
HOW?
Semi-structured interviews either in person, over the phone or on Teams/Zoom
WHO?
People aged over 70 who have been diagnosed with cancer in the last 6 months. Their significant others and or health care professionals involved in this decision-making process.
WHY?
Little evidence, information and understanding exists about how decisions are made by, with or for older adults following a new diagnosis of cancer. However, what is known is that older age is associated with physical, social and psychological changes and the rate of these changes varies widely between people. These variations in health functional status and physiology of ageing can affect choices between quality and quantity of life presenting unique challenges for older people experiencing cancer and Health Care Professionals planning their care. Research is needed to understand how and why decisions are made regarding cancer treatment, support, and the processes by which older adults are involved in these decisions. The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand the experiences of decision-making processes from the perspective of older adults, significant others and healthcare professionals through semi structured interviews.
WHEN?
Recruitment is open at University Hospital Southampton- you can contact Lucy Lewis on the study phone 07586544861 or by email: ll1m17@soton.ac.uk
The CHOICES Study 