Clatterbridge clinical research trial team tops league table for recruits
Posted 15th June 2022
A Clatterbridge research team is the most successful in the country in recruiting patients to a study that could improve how people are supported in managing the psychological impact of cancer.
The physical, emotional and financial consequences of having cancer can affect patients’ mental wellbeing. Studies show that one in two patients with a cancer diagnosis report significant levels of psychological distress, which can impact how successfully some of them respond to treatment.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is offered to many cancer patients to help them to manage distress and improve their psychological outlook – and a new study is analysing how effective this CBT is.
Finding My Way is online, self-help, CBT-based support tailored to the needs of cancer patients by helping them to communicate well with their clinicians and cope with physical symptoms of their disease or side effects of treatment.
The therapy also helps people deal with issues around body image, supports their interaction with family and friends, and provides guidance for the transition to a fulfilling life after treatment.
Earlier studies suggest the original Australian version of this therapy significantly improves the emotional wellbeing of cancer patients, and a new UK-wide study is researching the approach further.
The Finding My Way UK Trial is funded by North West Cancer Research. It is being led by Prof Nick Hulbert-Williams, of Edge Hill University, and coordinated through the School of Psychology at the University of Chester.
So far, researchers at Clatterbridge have recruited more than half of the patients now part of the Finding My Way study in the whole of the UK, with 124 signing up to part of this important research.
Emma Whitby, Head of Research Delivery at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, is Principal Investigator for the study and is delighted her team at Clatterbridge has recruited the highest number patients in the country.
She said: “I want to thank everyone involved in Finding My Way at Clatterbridge. This is a very important study as it will hopefully be able to determine how well patients respond to this CBT-based therapy.
“Psychological wellbeing of our patients is incredibly important as it can have an impact on the effectiveness of some treatments and successfully they go on to having happy and fulfilling lives after their treatment ends.
“This study is not only informing our understanding of patient psychology, it is giving our current patients access to a therapy which has already been found to be effective in the Australian healthcare setting.”
Dr Monica Leslie, Trial Coordinator for the Finding My Way UK study, added: “We are delighted by the successful recruitment supported by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of the research team, who we are proud to include in this important research.”
Emma is pictured with her team. From left to right, Emma, Kathryn Hughes - Research Officer, Hanifa Khatun - Research Officer and Sue Green - Assistant Service Manager.
