A nurse-led research project at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC) has received national recognition after being given the prestigious Goodburn Nurse-Led Research Award.
The accolade will support a project exploring the experiences and supportive care needs of people newly diagnosed with palliative pancreatic cancer.
The award has been given by the National HPB Nurse Group, supported by the Pancreatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, to the project Navigating Hope and Care: A Holistic Exploration of the Needs and Lived Experiences of Newly Diagnosed Palliative Pancreatic Cancer Patients Within Regional Referral Pathways.
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with many patients diagnosed at an advanced stage. The period between diagnosis and referral to a specialist cancer centre can be particularly difficult for patients and their families as they navigate complex treatment decisions, symptoms and emotional uncertainty.
The Clatterbridge study will focus on patients referred for systemic anti-cancer treatment, looking at their physical, psychological, practical and informational needs. It will also consider how demographic and socioeconomic factors may influence people’s experiences and access to support.
CCC serves a diverse population across Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man, giving the research team an important opportunity to better understand how factors such as geography and deprivation may affect patients’ experiences of care.
Sarah Stevenson, Advanced Nurse Practitioner – Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) at CCC, who is leading on the work, said: “We are delighted to receive this award and extremely grateful to the National HPB Nurse Group and the Pancreatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland for supporting this work.
“For people newly diagnosed with palliative pancreatic cancer, the early days and weeks can be overwhelming. We want to listen to patients’ experiences, understand what support matters most to them, and use those insights to help improve care across our regional pathways.
“The findings are expected to inform future service development, support earlier integration of palliative and supportive care, and contribute to more personalised approaches to holistic needs assessment for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.”
Dr Gillian Heap, CCC’s Director of Research, said: “This award is a fantastic achievement for our HPB team and reflects the important role nurses play in leading research that can make a real difference to patients and families. By focusing on the lived experiences of people with palliative pancreatic cancer, this project has the potential to shape more responsive, compassionate and equitable care.”
Dr Lynda Appleton, Senior Researcher at CCC, said: “Many congratulations to Sarah and the team in securing the prestigious Goodburn Nurse-Led Research Award. I’m delighted to be supporting this important research project making a positive difference to patients and families affected by palliative pancreatic cancer. The Award highlights the great work being undertaken by nurses in our trust and its commitment to delivering excellence in cancer care through research opportunities.”
