Questionnaires have been used to gather views from art therapists and their service users. This phase has now closed. Telephone interviews with service users will take place from July. If you would like to find out more please email Michele Wood (michele.wood@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk)
The following information tells you about our study so that you can decide if you would like to take part
The study title is:
Art therapy’s contribution to the psychological care of adults with cancer in the UK: A survey of art therapists’ and service users’ perspectives.
Some background
With an increasing number of people being diagnosed and living longer with cancer and its effects there is a need to develop good services that promote self-care and support wellbeing. Art therapy has been used in cancer care for many years and reports suggest that it benefits a wide range of people.
For some people using art therapy has helped them to cope with the effects of treatment and to readjust to life afterwards. For others art therapy has helped with psychological and spiritual distress. However there is not enough research or evaluation of art therapy’s role in cancer care.
This study will investigate what service users think about their experiences of art therapy, and what art therapists currently provide to people with cancer. This is especially important now that services are being reorganised to fulfil the Government’s Cancer Reform Strategies.
Who can participate in this study?
· Adults receiving, or who have received art therapy at any time following a diagnosis of cancer.
· Art therapists registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) currently providing a service to people with cancer in the UK.
· Art therapist trainees currently providing a service to people with cancer as part of their studies leading to HPC approved qualification.
This study is not applicable to the following people:
· Therapists or other health professionals offering art activities to people with cancer who have not undertaken an HPC approved postgraduate training in Art Therapy/Art Psychotherapy.
· Children (under the age of 18 years).
· Adults with experience of art therapy who do not have a diagnosis of cancer.
· People who do not speak, read or write the English language (though they can choose someone who does to represent their views).
FAQs
Who is carrying out this study?
Michele Wood is undertaking this study as part of her Masters in Clinical Research Course at the University of Manchester. She is being supervised by Professor Alexander Molassiotis and her clinical mentor is Dr. Adrian Tookman (The Royal Free Hospital, London and Marie Curie Cancer Care).
What does this study involve?
This study uses a survey design to gather information and views from art therapists and service users. This will be done through an anonymous online questionnaire. However, for people not wishing or able to use the Internet, a postal or telephone version of the questionnaire can be requested. The questionnaire covers basic facts about the types of art therapy and the settings in which it is provided. It also asks about the reasons why people use art therapy. There are tick box questions and some space for free text. The questionnaire should take no longer than 10-15 minutes to complete.
In addition to the questionnaire, service users are invited to attend a small discussion group known as a focus group where they can talk with a research assistant about their experiences of art therapy. There will be three one-off group meetings held in different locations. Each group will last up to one hour. Standard travel costs will be paid.
Is the study confidential?
Your answers will be treated in strict confidence in keeping with the Data Protection Act, and used for research purposes only. This means that names and addresses will not be included with the results of the study, and no services or individuals will be identified in the final report or subsequent publications.
Protection of personal identity is built into all stages of the survey. This means that data sent electronically will be coded; that computer equipment used in the study is password protected, and names, addresses, and any other information that could give clues to a person’s identity are stored on a secure server and separated from the responses given by them. At the end of the study all confidential information will be destroyed.
All participants confirm their willingness to join the study by signing a consent form and have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.
Who has ‘approved’ the study?
The Research Ethics committees of the University of Manchester and NHS South East London REC5 have reviewed and approved the study.
How will the study help me?
The findings of the survey will be written up in a short report that will be available to everyone who participated. This study aims to describe art therapy services and experiences; it cannot directly benefit your care. However, your participation may contribute to a better awareness of key issues that will improve care for people with cancer in the future.
For more information, to request a paper version of the survey or to join a focus group email michele.wood@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk
To find out more about art therapy British Association of Art Therapy www.baat.org Health Professions Council www.hpc_uk.org
For further general information, support or advice NHS Direct: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk tel: 0845 4647
What if there is a problem? Complaints
If you have a concern about any aspect of this study, you should ask to speak to the researchers who will do their best to answer your questions. If they are unable to resolve your concern or you wish to make a complaint regarding the study, please contact a University Research Practice and Governance Coordinator on 0161 2757583 / 0161 2758093 or by email to research-governance@manchester.ac.uk.
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