P16 Exploring suitable treatments for advanced breast cancer patients with long-term insomnia through stakeholder collaboration (ESTBALISH)

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Mccrory, Stephanie and MacPherson, Iain and Michie, Caroline and Fleming, Leanne (2026) P16 Exploring suitable treatments for advanced breast cancer patients with long-term insomnia through stakeholder collaboration (ESTBALISH). BMJ Open Respiratory Research, 13 (Suppl ). A26.2-A26. (https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjresp-2026-bss.41)

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Abstract

Introduction There is a high prevalence of insomnia in people with breast cancer which negatively affects quality of life, mental and physical health. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) is the recommended treatment, and evidence shows it is effective for improving sleep and mental health in primary breast cancer patients. However, secondary breast cancer patients have typically been excluded from the research due to concerns about potential side-effects, although these are usually short-lived and less severe than side-effects from medication. Consequently, we have no understanding whether CBTi would be a feasible and acceptable treatment in this population. The aim of this project is to co-produce an insomnia intervention for people living with secondary breast cancer. Methods An iterative stakeholder engagement approach will be used to co-produce the intervention. Recruitment will begin in July 2025. We will recruit up to 55 participants including secondary breast cancer patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Participants will be invited to take part in up to 3 workshops, and to provide feedback on an intervention prototype, and a sub-sample of participants will be invited to attend a working group. Results Workshops will explore the suitability and acceptability of the intervention content, method of delivery, format, setting, and required adaptations. The data will be collected and analysed iteratively and will inform the topic guide for subsequent workshops. An intervention prototype will be shared for feedback via an online survey. Data will be analysed using descriptive and frequency statistics, and content analysis for qualitative data. Discussion The ESTBALISH project will deliver a co-produced insomnia intervention tailored for people with secondary breast cancer. It will also inform the development of a healthcare practitioner training package and inform future evaluation. Stakeholder collaboration will enhance the intervention’s accessibility, relevance, and potential for wide-scale implementation.

ORCID iDs

Mccrory, Stephanie ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8072-7482, MacPherson, Iain, Michie, Caroline and Fleming, Leanne ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6197-9214;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)