Clinical Research Directory

Improving Access to Lung Cancer Clinical Trials

There are \~85,000 lung cancer patients (LCPs) in the UK; yet only around 8% were recruited into clinical trials in 2021/22. LCPs need opportunities to take part in clinical trials to access new treatments, increasing their quality of life, treatment choices and life expectancy. Discussions with nurses can help patients make better treatment decisions, improving experiences of care. However, research has shown that lung cancer nurses (LCNs) often feel unable to discuss participation in trials with patients due to lack of knowledge, confidence, time and training. This study aims to develop and test a research recruitment tool for LCNs, to support LCPs to enter clinical trials. Objectives include to: * Explore reasons for low uptake of LCPs into clinical trials * Develop a tool for LCNs to talk to patients about clinical trials * Test whether the tool improves the number and quality of discussions nurses have with LCPs about clinical trials The study has four phases: Phase 1: A literature review will identify problems that make clinical trial uptake difficult for LCPs, carers and clinicians Phase 2: Six group discussions with LCNs, patients and carers will explore issues that create potential barriers for patients taking part in clinical trials. The groups will take place online, last approximately one hour and be recorded. Phase 3: Part 1\&2 findings will help us develop a LCN research recruitment tool. The tool will contain information on how nurses obtain information about LC clinical trials, research teams, communication issues, practical issues and how to reach LCPs. Phase 4: The research recruitment tool will be tested in four UK NHS hospitals. A survey will identify any changes in nurses' clinical trials awareness and confidence before and after using the tool. Interviews with LCNs, patients and carers will explore their views on the tool, clinical trials participation and experiences of care.