National charity, Mesothelioma UK, has awarded a grant for £25,000 for research that explores clinical decision-making in treatment pathways for mesothelioma patients at Oxford University Hospitals, Royal Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire NHS Foundation Trusts.
The recipient of the grant is Dr Catherine Henshall, senior nursing research fellow at Oxford Brookes University, who will carry out a study to develop an evidence-based, patient-centred approach to mesothelioma clinical decision-making.
Mesothelioma UK is committed to supporting research into all aspects of treatment and care related to mesothelioma. The charity works with the National Lung Cancer Forum for Nurses (NLCFN) to make funding available for nurse-led mesothelioma research.
Around 2700 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma, an incurable cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, each year.
Dr Henshall’s study will involve analysing patient records and reports to record diagnosis dates, treatments, mortality rates and clinical care team members. Statistical tests will then be applied to the information to identify any differences between the Trusts.
The study will also involve focus groups where members of the multi-disciplinary teams at the trusts will discuss how clinicians’ engagement with, and awareness of, current mesothelioma research impacts on clinical decision-making.
Commenting on the study Dr Henshall said: “We are delighted to have received this funding from Mesothelioma UK and the NLCFN. The study will promote a joined-up approach to mesothelioma treatment that is consistent with local and national guidance, ensuring that decisions across the trusts are made using evidence, multi-disciplinary knowledge and shared clinical expertise.
“We are committed to working closely and in partnership with Mesothelioma UK throughout this project to ensure that the best outcomes for mesothelioma patients are identified and promoted, and to make a real and lasting difference to mesothelioma patient care and service delivery.”
Liz Darlison, Mesothelioma UK Head of Services said: “Mesothelioma UK is delighted to continue working in partnership with the NLCFN Research Interest Group to provide annual grants that support nurse-led mesothelioma research. Treatment for mesothelioma is varied across the UK so this study will provide very useful clinical evidence to promote consistency of care and services. We wish Dr Henshall and her research team every success and look forward to seeing the results and recommendations.”
Dr Henshall will carry out her study from the Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery at Oxford Brookes University.
