Fatigue in teenagers and young adults treated for cancer

This is the topic of the MD of Dr Anna Spathis. The study involves a systematic literature review, a multicentre electronic survey, and a qualitative intervention co-design study aiming towards a trial of a non-pharmacological intervention.

 

Does medically assisted hydration improve quality of life in the final days of life?

Decisions about starting intravenous fluids in the final days of life often cause concern among family members. Moreover, the evidence to guide clinicians is insufficient. This study is led by Dr Arjun Kingdon, Palliative Medicine Academic Clinical Fellow. A systematic literature review is in progress. Fieldwork will be part of a future doctoral study.

 

Recently completed studies

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in patients with chronic breathlessness

Work on disseminating findings from the PhD study of Dr Richella Ryan on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with chronic breathlessness receiving palliative and supportive care services, using salivary diurnal cortisol profile measurement as a marker of HPA axis function

 

Studies with a new home

The ambitious programme of work on breathlessness was first started by Dr Morag Farquhar as an NIHR Career Development Fellow in Cambridge. It was a collaboration between Cambridge, King’s College London and RAND Europe. Morag is now a close collaborator in her role as Senior Lecturer at the University of East Anglia.

Living with Breathlessness

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic, incurable, progressive, respiratory condition with a high symptom burden. The Living with Breathlessness study is a programme of work that seeks to provide new evidence on the trajectory of care needs and preferences of patients with COPD and their informal carers … more

Learning about Breathlessness

This study aims to develop an evidence-based educational intervention for informal carers of patients with breathlessness in advanced disease. It uses a mixed method four-stage design synthesising a triad of expert sources: (i) systematic review (ongoing review to identify the key format, timing, and delivery modes of carer interventions), (ii) informal carer expertise, and (iii) clinician expertise … more