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Audit of immunotherapy toxicity and resulting costs of treatment at Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre

Immunotherapy treatments used for an increasing number of cancer indications in England, however patients can experience immunotherapy induced toxicities, which need to be treated early and in accordance with the local protocol. This project aims to evaluate the incidence, treatment of and costs of managing immunotherapy toxicity.

Department: Pharmacy

Supervised by: Nilesh Patel

The Placement Project

Immunotherapy treatments are being licensed and NICE approved for an increasing number of cancer indications in England. Immunotherapy is given as a maintenance treatment, and is usually well tolerated. However, if patients do experience immunotherapy induced toxicities, it is essential that they are treated early and in accordance with the local protocol. Immunotherapy toxicity guidance has been developed by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUHFT) and adopted by the Thames Valley Cancer Alliance. This project aims to evaluate the incidence, treatment of and costs of managing immunotherapy toxicity. In addition, an analysis of the commissioning of the toxicity treatments will be undertaken. This data will be used to forecast future costs in line with patient numbers. The student will be auditing patient records to assess toxicities that were experienced and the resulting treatments while on immunotherapy. They will compare the incidence of real life data toxicity compared to that reported in the clinical trials. The report will include information on the type of toxicity experienced, the grade, the treatments and associated costs, and who this was charged to.

Tasks

The students’ duties will include creating an audit tool, analysing the results of this, and providing a report of the findings.

Skills, knowledge and experience required

The student will not need any prior healthcare experience, although this would be desirable. Good communication and IT skills are essential and the student will be expected to be able to work independently. They must be prepared to work in Oxford and adhere to hospital guidelines regarding hygiene, working safely and respecting patient confidentiality.

Skills which will be developed during the placement

The student will gain knowledge and experience of the hospital environment, multi-disciplinary team working, how patients are managed, the culture of patient safety, research methodology and communication skills. The student will be placed full-time at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust and will liaise with the Cancer Pharmacy, Nursing and Medical teams.

Place of Work

University of Reading and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Hours of Work

Full time

Approximate Start and End Dates (not fixed)

Monday 15 June 2020 - Friday 24 July 2020

How to Apply

The post will be advertised centrally on the UROP website between 24th February and 3rd April 2020. Any interested student should apply via email (nilesh.patel@reading.ac.uk) attaching a CV with a covering letter detailing why you would want to undertake the project and what makes you the best person to do this work. Successful candidates will then be invited to interview.


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