1. From 4 to 120 in 2 years Barbara Moore Cancer Research UK Senior Nurse
3rd November 2011

2. Development of opportunities for palliative care patients to be involved in research
The background
Progress so far
Where we go from here

3. The background Wales Cancer Trials Unit (WTCU) study development:
(Palliative Care Research Strategy for Wales )
National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) palliative studies group survey 2009
Dr Anthony Byrne, WCTU and Wales Cancer Research Network (WCRN) collaborate to identify how to support recruitment in SE Wales - steering group established
January 2009 funding secured for a research nurse for a year
Cancer Research UK Senior Nurse time identified to lead the WCRN team
Portfolio of potential studies for SE Wales is researched
WCTU works with investigators to develops studies
and has a PCR strategy for Wales
NCRI survey in – networks that have been successful have identified motivated clinicians and have dedicated PCR staff. Lack of open multicentre studies a problem
So in Wales there was a process to develop high quality studies but supporting recruitment was then addressed

4. Regular steering group meetings
Collaboration, communication, commitment, reflection and review
Regular steering group meetings
Actions:
Communication channels established with England and Scotland and National Cancer Research Network (NCRN)
Networking and training opportunities identified
Recruitment at cancer centre and other NHS site in SE Wales
Research nurse reflective diary
Electronic newsletter for palliative care practitioners
Research study open to recruitment in Hospice
Annual report from WCRN to Cancer Services Coordinating Group (CSCG)
December 2009 further funding for nurse time secured from NISCHR
WCRN website to include portfolio of studies and newsletters

5. Consensus meeting
A consensus meeting of palliative care research colleagues was held in September 2010 in Cardiff
Colleagues from Edinburgh, London, Cardiff, and NCRI
Communication established and ongoing

6. Reflective Diary Maintained by research nurses
Has identified when reflection has changed practice
Over-riding is the need to fit the trial to the care pathway, to be adaptable,
open and high profile

7. 2009-4 pts 2011-120 pts RECRUITING STUDIES
Radiotherapy regimes for spinal cord compression
Fatigue
Bone pain
Breathlessness
The role of exercise with cachexia
CLOSED STUDIES
Pain assessment tool
Analgesia
PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Opioid induced constipation

8. Recruitment Graph April 2010 – March 2011

9. Next steps
Following a pilot road show at Gregynog 2010 road shows are taking place to highlight study development and recruitment to clinical teams and ensure research awareness
This has allowed identification of sites where research staff input is best placed
Development of studies is paramount to ensure ongoing recruitment

10. Single point of contact
Dr Amanda Woodward
Palliative Care Portfolio Developer

11. Thank you, diolch yn fawr
Wales Cancer Research Network Palliative Staff