BT-LIFE (brain tumours, lifestyle interventions, and fatigue evaluation): lessons learned from running a novel multi-sectoral research trial
Rooney, A. G. Hewins, W. Walker, A. Withington, Lisa Mackinnon, M. Robson, Sara Green, Aimee Anderson, G. Bulbeck, H. Torrens, C.
Rooney, A. G.
Hewins, W.
Walker, A.
Withington, Lisa
Mackinnon, M.
Robson, Sara
Green, Aimee
Anderson, G.
Bulbeck, H.
Torrens, C.
Citations
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: BT-LIFE is a multi-centre RCT of novel lifestyle
coaching treatments for fatigued brain tumour patients. To our knowledge
it is also the first example of ‘multi-sectoral research’ to combine healthcare,
private, and charity sectors in this population. To maximise learning, the
trial team devised a structured reflection opportunity to ask, “What went
well and what would we do differently next time?” METHOD: After
trial closedown we convened a six-hour ‘focus group’ for management,
principle investigators, research assistants, interventionists, qualitative researchers,
trial statisticians, and the funder. Discussion was structured using
a ‘timeline’ wall-chart which attendees freely populated with post-it notes
summarising learning points from the trial. Minutes were taken in duplicate.
RESULTS: In total n=19 team members contributed. Many points
were study-specific and will be used internally to plan a larger trial. Among
points of wider interest, examples of success included: using regular teleconferences
to co-ordinate a cohesive and highly collaborative team; obtaining
secure nhs.net email addresses to facilitate multi-sectoral communication;
and the clear value of employing one part-time research assistant per centre
instead of relying on busy clinical staff to recruit. General future learning
points included: speak to the prospective sponsor and ethical committees
when writing the grant application to avoid pitfalls and facilitate faster
opening if funding is secured; consider preceding emails with a phone call to
‘lay the ground’ in time-sensitive situations; identify staff training requirements
as early as possible and cascade aggressively; and be sensitive to the
fact that inter-sectoral attitudes and practices may vary widely and need actively
monitored and managed. Therefore frequent and secure communication,
pro-active problem-spotting, and inter-sectoral value alignment appear
critical for success. CONCLUSION: BT-LIFE provides many useful lessons
for anyone interested in running multi-sectoral research.
Affiliation
Description
Date
2020
Publisher
Collections
Keywords
Type
Meetings and Proceedings
Citation
Rooney AG, Hewins W, Walker A, Withington L, Mackinnon M, Robson S, et al. Innv-27. Bt-Life (Brain Tumours, Lifestyle Interventions, and Fatigue Evaluation): Lessons Learned from Running a Novel Multi-Sectoral Research Trial. Neuro-Oncology. 2020;22(Supplement_2):ii122-ii.