Patients and clinicians experiences of hair cycle modulation to facilitate wound healing: a qualitative study within a trial (SWAT)

Project Description

Background: Chronic wounds, delayed healing and surgical site infection affect a significant number of patients. They substantially decrease quality of life and can lead to repeated hospital admission, social isolation, chronic pain limb loss and death. There is an urgent need to identify novel preventative measures. One intervention that shows promise in animal and first-in-man studies is hair cycle modulation, where stem-cell-rich hair follicles are manipulated into the anagen hair cycle phase through depilation (waxing), significantly improving healing outcomes.
Methods: We have secured funding for an early clinical study investigating this technique, which is ongoing. In order to progress to a large-scale clinical trial, further stakeholder engagement is needed. We propose a qualitative study within a trial, where participants and clinicians involved in the first-in-man study take part in semi-structured interviews aimed at exploring barriers and facilitators to participation, experiences of the study intervention, perceptions of efficacy, and best strategies for maximising engagement in subsequent research studies. In addition, we will form a dedicated patient and public involvement group, in line with best practice guidance, whose input and experience will be invaluable in the design of a future randomised clinical trial.
Expected outcomes: The work completed in this proposal will directly inform the design of a randomised controlled trial which should be suitable for multiple NIHR funding streams. It will also facilitate the creation of a dedicated patient and public involvement group, from which potential public co-applicants for further research funding may be identified.