The WCTU aims to consider patient centred questions in every study and where appropriate to develop qualitative research studies within the main study which elucidate patient perspectives on the research outcomes. In many studies, the patient experience varies between different arms of the trial but little detailed attention is paid to these issues with trial outcomes focused on the standard measures of survival and toxicity. While formal quality of life assessment goes some way to addressing these issues, further in depth qualitative research can add greater insight into the issues from the patient perspectives.
The inclusion of qualitative studies will act both to complement the main study and generate patient centred hypotheses to be tested in future in a quantitative setting. The lead for qualitative work at the WCTU is Dr Annmarie Nelson, who will design qualitative components to trials and recruit and supervise local researchers to undertake data collection and analysis.
Funded trials and studies using qualitative methodologies:
Tel: 029 2068 7500
Fax: 029 2068 7501