Understanding the importance of therapeutic relationships in the development of self-management behaviours during cancer rehabilitation: a qualitative research protocol

Abstract

IntroductionCancer is a growing health, social and economic problem. 1 in 3 people in the UK will develop cancer in their lifetime. With survival rates rising to over 50%, the long-term needs of cancer survivors are of growing importance. Cancer rehabilitation is tailored to address the physical or psychosocial decline in ability to engage in daily activities. Its use is supported by high-quality international, multicentre research. Incorporating strategies for self-management behaviour development into rehabilitation can prepare individuals for cancer survivorship. However, healthcare professionals will need to adjust their therapeutic interactions accordingly. Research is yet to clarify the impact of the therapeutic relationship on rehabilitation outcomes in cancer. This study aims to explore the impact of therapeutic relationships on self-management behaviours after cancer.Methods and analysisThis qualitative study aims to understand cancer rehabilitation participants’ beliefs regarding the importance of therapeutic relationships in developing self-management behaviours. A sample representative of a local cancer rehabilitation cohort will be asked to complete a semistructured interview to identify their perspectives on the importance of therapeutic relationships in cancer rehabilitation. Data obtained from the interviews will be analysed, coded and entered into a Delphi questionnaire for circulation to a local cancer rehabilitation population to determine if the views expressed by the interviewees are supported by group consensus.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by Wales Research Ethics Committee 6 (15/WA/0331) in April 2016. Findings will be disseminated through the first author's doctoral thesis; peer-reviewed journals; local, national and international conference presentations; and public events involving research participants and the general public.

Understanding the Importance of Therapeutic Relationships in the Development of Self-Management Behaviours After Cancer Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Mixed-Methods Study

“…Early in the PPD research process, a protocol for the ILR was published on PROSPERO (Wilkinson et al, 2015). This was followed by a protocol for the PPD research as a whole, being accepted for publication by the BMJ Open (Wilkinson, Rance, & Fitzsimmons, 2017). By undergoing these processes of external peer review, the scientific value and potential clinical impact of this research was validated.…”

“…von der Gracht (2012) agrees that consensus without stability in responses between the Modified Delphi rounds leaves the results open to misinterpretation. The following aims to clarify the approach proposed in an 'a priori' protocol, for use in this ModDT to determine consensus, diversity and stability (Wilkinson et al, 2017).…”