Trauma-informed care in cancer services

What’s the title of the study?

A Qualitative Study of the Patient Experience of Trauma Informed Care in Cancer Services

What’s the study about?

This study, led by the University of Southampton, is exploring people’s experiences of cancer care and how services can better support those who have experienced trauma. 

The researchers are conducting online interviews to hear directly from people with breast cancer about their experiences of care. They hope to find out what trauma-informed support looks and feels like in practice. 

They’ll share their findings through publications, charity websites, forums, and staff training or conferences to help improve cancer services for everyone.

Who’s organising it?

Name of project lead: Patsy Lamb

Job title: Trainee Clinical Psychologist

Organisation: University of Southampton

Email address: p.lamb@soton.ac.uk 

Who can take part?

You can take part if you:

• Are aged 18 or over
• Speak English and live in the UK
• Have been diagnosed with cancer and have received treatment and/or follow-up care, either currently or within the past 5 years
• Self-identify as having experienced trauma (this may include, for example, trauma related to your experience of cancer, childhood trauma, single or repeated traumatic events, or trauma experienced as part of a group or community)
• Feel able and comfortable talking about your experiences of cancer care in an interview
• Are physically well enough to take part in an interview
• Are not currently under the care of a crisis team or admitted to a mental health hospital (This is to make sure that taking part does not interfere with your ongoing mental health care or cause extra distress)

Why do you want me to be involved?

Your involvement could help cancer services better support people who have experienced trauma.

By sharing your experiences of care, you can contribute to improving how services respond to the emotional and psychological needs of people with breast cancer. And you’ll get the opportunity to contribute your voice to future publications, training, and service development. 

What will you ask me to do?

If you choose to take part, you’ll first complete an online screening and consent form to confirm you meet the criteria. You’ll then take part in a one-hour interview on Microsoft Teams at a time that suits you.

During the interview, you’ll be asked about your experience of care in cancer services. You will not be asked to describe any traumatic experiences.

And as a thank you for your time, you’ll be offered a £25 Love2Shop voucher. 

How do I get involved?

Please complete the online screening and consent form.

And if you have any questions or would like more information, you can contact the lead researcher at p.lamb@soton.ac.uk. 

When’s the deadline?

17 April 2026