Phyllis Butow1,2, Joanne Shaw1,2, Lisa Vaccaro1, Louise Sharpe1,2, Haryana Dhillon1,2,3, Ben Smith1,4. 1. Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW. 2. School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW. 3. Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-making School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW. 4. Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation (CONCERT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is common, debilitating, and costly to the health system. While there has been a rising trajectory in FCR-related research, there remain many unanswered questions. A research agenda is required to clarify priorities and ensure that research dollars and effort are expended wisely. This study aimed to elicit research topics and priorities from clinical and academic experts in FCR. METHODS: Phase 1 consisted of elicitation by survey of prioritised FCR research topics from 20 members of the Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG) FCR special interest group, followed by a focus group discussion with 28 clinicians, researchers, and cancer survivors, at which survey results were presented and further reflection was encouraged. This resulted in 28 research topics that were then subjected to a Delphi process to establish consensus (phase 2). RESULTS: Thirty-one participants completed round 1 of the Delphi process and 23 round 2, after which satisfactory consensus was reached. Five broad areas of research were identified as priorities. In rank order, they were (1) intervention models; (2) definition, predictors, and outcomes of FCR; (3) detection and screening; (4) training for health professionals; and (5) reaching specific populations. CONCLUSIONS: It is hoped that the current findings will guide FCR researchers towards clinically relevant, significant research that will move the field forward. Experts nominated intervention research as the top priority, specifically exploring optimal formats of delivery including stepped care and blended models incorporating online or phone elements to increase accessibility.
OBJECTIVE: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is common, debilitating, and costly to the health system. While there has been a rising trajectory in FCR-related research, there remain many unanswered questions. A research agenda is required to clarify priorities and ensure that research dollars and effort are expended wisely. This study aimed to elicit research topics and priorities from clinical and academic experts in FCR. METHODS: Phase 1 consisted of elicitation by survey of prioritised FCR research topics from 20 members of the Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG) FCR special interest group, followed by a focus group discussion with 28 clinicians, researchers, and cancer survivors, at which survey results were presented and further reflection was encouraged. This resulted in 28 research topics that were then subjected to a Delphi process to establish consensus (phase 2). RESULTS: Thirty-one participants completed round 1 of the Delphi process and 23 round 2, after which satisfactory consensus was reached. Five broad areas of research were identified as priorities. In rank order, they were (1) intervention models; (2) definition, predictors, and outcomes of FCR; (3) detection and screening; (4) training for health professionals; and (5) reaching specific populations. CONCLUSIONS: It is hoped that the current findings will guide FCR researchers towards clinically relevant, significant research that will move the field forward. Experts nominated intervention research as the top priority, specifically exploring optimal formats of delivery including stepped care and blended models incorporating online or phone elements to increase accessibility.
Authors: Lynne I Wagner; Jenna Duffecy; Mark Begale; David Victorson; Shannon L Golden; Mary Lou Smith; Frank J Penedo; David C Mohr; David Cella Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2020-01-08 Impact factor: 3.894
Authors: Jake R Thompson; Andrea L Smith; Serigne N Lo; Nadine A Kasparian; Robyn Pm Saw; Mbathio Dieng; Linda Seaman; Linda K Martin; Pascale Guitera; Donna Milne; Helen Schmid; Anne E Cust; Iris Bartula Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2022-03-03 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Mei Jun Tran; Michael Jefford; Ben Smith; Fiona Lynch; Haryana M Dhillon; Joanne Shaw; Lachlan McDowell; Alan White; Clare Halloran; David Wiesenfeld; Maria Ftanou Journal: Pilot Feasibility Stud Date: 2022-08-10
Authors: Fiona A Lynch; Lynda Katona; Michael Jefford; Allan Ben Smith; Joanne Shaw; Haryana M Dhillon; Steve Ellen; Jo Phipps-Nelson; Julia Lai-Kwon; Donna Milne; Lahiru Russell; Victoria Dax; Justine Diggens; Holly Kent; Alison Button-Sloan; Jane Elliott; Mark Shackleton; Hayley Burridge; Maria Ftanou Journal: J Clin Med Date: 2020-09-14 Impact factor: 4.241
Authors: Joanne Shaw; Helen Kamphuis; Louise Sharpe; Sophie Lebel; Allan Ben Smith; Nicholas Hulbert-Williams; Haryana Mary Dhillon; Phyllis Butow Journal: Front Psychol Date: 2021-02-22