INJECTABLE MEDICATION (JAms)  STUDY (CPMS 58951, IRAS 327957)

UPDATED - 09/02/2024

Study Summary

This study aims to understand the human and system factors involved in the safe, effective and timely use of injectable end-of-life symptom control medications for adults dying at home. We will identify with patients, family caregivers and healthcare teams where and how systems for using injectable medications can be improved.

We will do this through qualitative research involving two successive stages:

Stage 1. Sixteen patient-centred case studies exploring the views, experiences and interactions of patients prescribed medications, their family caregivers and clinicians, over time.

Stage 2. Six focus groups with patients, family caregivers and healthcare teams further exploring views and experiences, along with key issues identified in Stage 1. This will generate further knowledge of systems for using medications and how these can be improved.

Outputs: Findings will be disseminated via scientific publications, conferences and targeted online briefings and videos for researcher, clinician and policy maker communities.

Inclusion Criteria

• Stage 1: Sixteen patient-centred case studies: Patients (aged 18 or over) who have been prescribed injectable end-of-life symptom control medication. Family caregivers (aged 18 or over) must identify themselves as being a family member or friend of the patient and involved in their care / support. Clinicians identified by the patient and / or their family caregiver as being involved in the decision to prescribe or administer (use) the injectable medication.

• Stage 2: Six focus groups: Patients (aged 18 or over) who have been prescribed injectable end-of-life symptom control medication. Patients considered to have a relatively stable condition and anticipated to have more than eight weeks to live by the recruiting clinical care team. Family caregivers (aged 18 or over). Clinicians and other members of healthcare teams involved directly or indirectly in systems for using injectable medications

Exclusion  Criteria

• Participant aged under 18 years.

• Patient not prescribed injectable end-of-life symptom control medication. 

• Participants cannot provide informed consent. 

• Participant does not speak English. 

• The patient’s usual clinical team deems that the patient or their family caregiver are not able or suitable to take part in the research. 

Study Resources

Access for the SystmOne and EMIS study resources can be requested below.

For further guidance on using the resources, please refer to the guidance documents and further useful information on the PRIDES page.

The searches have been created with the study specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. 

If you require any further information or help, please contact the IT Specialists:

Jodie Button – jodie.button@nihr.ac.uk

James Baslington – james.baslington@nhs.net

Disclaimer:

Please note the resources provided are designed to assist with the identification of potentially suitable patients and to appropriately code these patients if required.

These resources have been developed based on the criteria provided by the relevant study team and whilst every effort has been made to make them universally implementable they rely on read codes and the data stored in the individual practice's clinical system. These resources are intended to assist with identification but should be used in conjunction with clinical oversight and a clear understanding of the study parameters.

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