Bereaved relatives' views about participating in cancer research

Bereaved relatives are considered to be a vulnerable group and there is debate as to whether it is ethical to engage them in research at a time that can be difficult for them.

We conducted a cross-sectional study using cognitive interviewing with the aim of exploring the acceptability of a mortality follow-back survey among bereaved relatives of recently deceased cancer patients to inform the development of a large-scale survey about end-of-life care.

Thirty-three next-of-kin of recently deceased cancer patients were invited to participate in a face-to-face interview, or to complete a postal questionnaire. At the end, they were asked about their views of engaging in the study. Nine bereaved relatives participated in a face-to-face interview and 11 completed the postal questionnaire. Eleven relatives reported it was helpful to take part in the study; of these, six did not consider it distressing, and five stated whilst it had been distressing it had been helpful. Thoughts about bringing back memories, altruism and therapeutic value emerged.

We have new evidence that although engaging in follow-back surveys can evoke distress, many participants report it to be a positive experience. We therefore believe that this approach is acceptable when conducted sensitively.