The psychological effects of mesothelioma in the UK military context from the carers’ perspective

In June 2023, a paper from the findings of Virginia's thesis which focused on clinical practice implications relating to the psychological effects of mesothelioma on UK veterans and their family caregivers was published in Cancer Nursing Practice.

In September 2022, a paper was published from Virginia's thesis, reporting a selection of her findings. Themes developed included ‘Going the extra mile’; ‘Shifts in previously robust characteristics and roles’; and ‘Needing to know’. Virginia found that military culture impacted both patients and carers, with participants reporting a reluctance to show weakness. Carers experienced guilt and traumatic stress symptoms. Moral injury was reported relating to carers’ interactions with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the National Health Service (NHS).

This PhD project was funded by Mesothelioma UK, who run a research programme within their ‘Supporting Our Armed Forces’ service. The project was linked to the University of Sheffield’s Military Mesothelioma Experience Study (MiMES), which researched the experience of UK military veterans with mesothelioma and their families.

Health professionals and other support groups have suggested that British veterans may have specific difficulties throughout their mesothelioma journey, for example in getting a diagnosis, and accessing support and care. MiMES aimed to understand the experience and health/support needs of this group, and identify how health professionals and support agencies can best meet their care and support needs.

With these aims in mind, Virginia’s two-stage research study explored how carers of UK military veterans with mesothelioma experience the psychological effects of the disease. This focus addressed a lack of research on the psychological aspect of the disease and on the unique experience of carers, key findings of Virginia’s scoping review (published June 2020).

Workstream 1

Design: a secondary data analysis of existing MiMES interview transcripts. The aim of this analysis was to identify sensitising issues and inform the main research questions and interview schedule.

Sample: all seven transcripts of MiMES interviews with carers were relevant.

Data analysis: interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to provide continuity between both halves of the study. QUIRKOS software was used to aid analysis. Propositions were developed to be tested in future research.

Workstream 2

Design: semi-structured interviews were carried out using videoconferencing, with audio recording. The audio recordings were transcribed.

Sample: between 8 and 10 carers recruited via Mesothelioma UK’s information phone line.

Data analysis: interpretative phenomenological analysis was used, with QUIRKOS software to aid the process.

The PhD project was completed in February 2022.

For more information about the study contact project manager Prof Angela Tod (a.tod@sheffield.ac.uk), or principal investigator Virginia Sherborne (h.v.sherborne@sheffield.ac.uk).