HOPE Protocol [PDF, 420KB] - National Cancer Survivorship Initiative

2. Aims and Objectives
The primary aim of this study is to pilot the HOPE SMP programme for women survivors of
breast cancer. This will be achieved by meeting the following objectives:
‣ Develop a tailored SMP for breast cancer survivors, based on the previously
validated HOPE programme.
‣ Evaluate course integration into service improvement.
‣ Train professional and peer coaches to deliver the programme.
‣ Evaluate patient-reported improvements.
‣ Evaluate service improvements.
3. Research Process
3.1. Recruitment to Course
Three cohorts of approximately 14 breast cancer survivors per group will be recruited, along
with 4 women being on a ‘waiting list’ in case of drop out. Women diagnosed with breast
cancer will be introduced to the SMP at the time of diagnosis, and provided with more
specific information in the form of participant information packs at the time of entering posttreatment
follow-up (i.e. 6-weeks after their final treatment). Recruitment on to the SMP will
take place during the same post-treatment period.
The inclusion criteria for SMP recruitment are:
Primary Breast Cancer
Post-treatment (i.e. 6-weeks after final treatment session)
The exclusion criteria are:
Metastatic cancers
Under 18 years of age
Recruitment will be on a ‘first-come, first-serve’ basis, with excluded patients being provided
with the opportunity to take part at a later date if the pilot is successful.
Updated recruitment plan
(i) Course 1(commenced 10/11/09)
14 potential participants from the post treatment session Sept 09 7 – participants
commenced – 3 attrition by week four.
Send baseline questionnaires out to the 7 patients who declined the offer of the
course ND – 4/12.
Send end of course questionnaires out to the 3 patients who have dropped out by
4/12 ND
Complete end of course questionnaire on 15/12 – ND
Ask one of the course participants if she would come and talk to patients at the post
treatment group meetings about the course and her experience of it. AL
(ii) Course 2 (to commence April 10)
20/08/09
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