Intervention - AllCaN Oesophageal Project Title

  • Exploring the Mental Health needs of Patients Living with Barrett’s Oesophagus

Specific Project Team

Prof. Martin Dempster

AllCaN Oesophageal Principal Investigator

Dr Olinda Santin

AllCaN Oesophageal Principal Investigator

Ms. Sedina O'Kane

AllCaN Oesophageal PhD Candidate

Project Start Date and Duration

  • September 2025 (3 years)

Project Collaborators

  • Scientific Collaborators

Prof. Juliette Hussey

ALLCAN WEB PAGE

Project Lay Summary

This project will be part of work package 2 (intervention). This project aim is to understand the psychological impact of living with Barrett’s Oesophagus and understand the effect this has on quality of life. The project will involve interviewing people with Barrett’s Oesophagus, to get their perspective on the psychological consequences of this condition and reviewing existing research in the area. This information will then be used to design an intervention to support people with Barrett’s Oesophagus and their families. 

Scientific Overview

What is the emotional impact of living with Barrett’s Oesophagus? Does fear of the disease progression negatively impact the quality of life of people with Barrett’s Oesophagus? What are the best ways of supporting people living with Barretts Oesophagus?

Patients living with Barrett’s Oesophagus report many challenges living with a pre-malignant condition. Living with uncertainty and fear of disease progression may impact on a person’s mental health. The symptoms of Barrett’s Oesophagus and surveillance procedures can also have negative psychological consequences. This project will explore the psychological impact of a diagnosis of Barrett’s Oesophagus and associated risk of progression on the person’s mental health. This study will include a mixed-methods research design including qualitative research via interviews with patients and a survey using mental health outcome instruments.   

In the initial part of the PhD project, we will interview individuals who live with Barrett’s Oesophagus. From these qualitative interviews we will complete a thematic analysis that enables us to identify any recurring themes that may be evident. This will facilitate an understanding of the psychological impact of living with Barrett’s Oesophagus and what support (if any) the individuals and their families need. 

This research will identify psychological consequences and barriers faced by individuals living with Barrett’s Oesophagus. Understanding the impact of Barrett’s Oesophagus on quality-of-life will help direct and inform healthcare providers and policymakers of the need for support and lifestyle change to improve both psychological and physical health and improve quality of life. 

AllCaN Oesophageal

If you have any questions about this specific research project,reach out to the project lead here.

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