The GRACEFUL study
This important research aims to help clinicians, policy makers and commissioners understand the most important aspects of location of care for patients with gynaecological cancers (ovarian, vulval, vaginal, cervical, and womb).
Trans-men and people with non-binary gender can have gynaecological cancer, where being treated within a women’s service would also add to the impact of their cancer diagnosis.
The study is asking where best to provide care for patients with gynaecological cancers, to avoid unnecessary distress. The study will involve:
- Gathering 500 peoples’ views from across the UK with a survey designed with patients. This will ensure researchers collect the breadth of opinion.
- Researchers interviewing 30 respondents to understand their views in detail.
- 300 people being asked to make theoretical choices between different service designs. This is to understand trade-offs patients make (e.g. dedicated centres over increased travel time to appointments).
Ovacome has been working with researchers to identify patients who would like to participate, feeding in anecdotal evidence to help shape the study and provided a focus group with our members for the researchers. We have also been able to provide some funding towards this study. The study is a collaboration between Somerset Foundation trust, University of Exeter, charities and patients.
One of the clinicians leading the study, Dr Jo Morrison, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist; Honorary Senior Lecturer University of Exeter; Cochrane Senior Editor; Cochrane Reproductive and Sexual Health Thematic Group; Editor in Chief for The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist says:
"We are delighted to be working with Ovacome on this project. We are asking women and people with ovarian and other gynaecological cancer, if the location of where they are seen within the hospital matters to them. From provisional work, we are aware that some people find where they are seen traumatic and insensitive, whereas for others it may matter less. We want information to help develop services that are patient-centred and trauma-informed. All answers will be anonymous, unless you offer your details so you could be part of further in-depth interviews. Only the research team will know who you are, if you do give us details. Your local gynae cancer teams will not know your answers, or even that you have taken part, so you are free to be open with us. None of your answers will affect your ongoing care”
You can participate in the study this summer by scanning the QR code below, by emailing: gracefulstudy@somersetft.nhs.uk or by calling our support line on 0800 008 7054 for more details.
Did you find this page helpful?
We welcome your feedback. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email ovacome@ovacome.org.uk or call 0207 299 6653.
Get support
Ovacome is the UK 's national ovarian cancer support charity. We've been providing emotional support and personalised, expert information since 1996. Contact our support line by phone, email or text if you have questions about a diagnosis, or if you just want to talk things through.
We support anyone affected by ovarian cancer, including family members, carers, those with an inherited risk, and health professionals working in the field.
Ovacome has 50 information booklets on a variety of topics about ovarian cancer.
Become part of the Ovacome community
Our members are at the heart of everything we do. There’s no cost to membership. Be the first to hear about Ovacome news and join a friendly, supportive community, all working together to promote knowledge and support others.
