Current Studies

We are currently undertaking a number of externally funded projects:

Occupational therapy interventions for children with CNS tumours in the first 2 years from diagnosis - NIHR Research for Patient Benefit

This is the first study in a programme aimed at establishing and testing the effectiveness of a new occupational therapy service for children in the follow-up phase after treatment for a brain tumour. As a complex intervention, this requires first that we establish harmony in assessment and treatment between two centres prior to an intervention study to investigate the efficacy of the service across six sites in the UK. Contact Prof Tony Long for more information.

Physical, psychological and situational determinants of self-esteem in children with CNS tumours - KidsCan PhD Fellowship

As part of a research programme into support for survivors of brain tumour in childhood, this study investigates the impact of internal, external and environmental factors on children’s self-esteem. A follow-on study will then pursue the effectiveness of intervention to enhance self-esteem on quality of life. Contact Prof Tony Long for more information.

Comparing the narrative experiences of patients with medulloblastoma with factor identified from their hospital records - Christie Hospital Fund

This study is intended to inform future practice in follow-up clinics for patients who are on the continuum from diagnosis to long-term follow-up after a diagnosis of the brain tumour medulloblastoma. Standard measures of quality of life are administered, followed by a family interview. Key documents from the patient’s hospital records are anonymised and scanned, and the whole data set is subjected to clinical text mining to establish whether the problems that are experienced are recognised and addressed in the clinics. Clinical decision-making processes will be enhanced. Contact Prof Tony Long for more information.

Evaluation of “Different disciplines, common experience: supporting specialist nurse-led initiatives in haematology and neurology”- Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity

This important funding stream for specialist children’s nurses provides vital support to individuals and services. The evaluation is helping to establish the effectiveness of the funding and to identify ways to improve and streamline access, application, support and reporting processes.  Contact Joan Livesley for more information.

Evaluation of the Holding Families Service - Bury MBC

This evaluation explores the impact of intensive concurrent services offered to children and parents in families where substance misuse is particularly problematic. Multi-agency measures of progress are recorded, and both children and parents are interviewed to elicit their perspectives on the acceptability and impact of the service. Contact Mike Ravey, Michael Murphy or Patric Devitt for more information.

Developing a standard to evaluate best practice in partnership work with children and young people

This project is intended to develop a standard of best practice through a process of observation, documentary analysis and interview in centres of excellence for partnership working with children and young people across the UK. Contact Angela Lee or Joan Livesley for more information.