Developing Support for Young People Experiencing Appearance Changes throughout Cancer Treatment: An Experience-Based Co-Design Project.

Abstract

A young person undergoing cancer treatment may experience significant appearance changes that negatively affect their psychosocial wellbeing, social interaction and self-confidence. This dissertation provides a background to the challenges experienced by young people undergoing cancer treatment, presents a literature review that critically discusses the evidence base, identifies gaps in the literature and informs the development of a research proposal. The overarching purpose of this phase one project is to improve the experiences of young people attending a cancer centre by facilitating a participatory approach to a person-centred innovation. The collaborative project, which involves young people and healthcare professionals, will focus on enhancing support with appearance changes and ensures young peoples' voices are heard to inform the development of services. This project draws on the theoretical and philosophical background of participatory action research, critical theory, social constructionism and person-centred principles. The project will use an Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD) methodology to prioritise care improvements and develop sustainable solutions that can be implemented into nursing care. This research proposal also critically discusses the limitations of the project, implications for future practice and identifies a plan for dissemination of the findings to enhance person-centred care approaches that address young peoples' needs throughout cancer treatment.