Introduction

Macmillan Cancer Support is working alongside UK Acute Oncology Society (UKAOS) and partners on a UK-wide project to develop a national standard for Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) alert cards.

SACT is the term used for cancer drug treatments and includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormonal therapy. There are many different SACT alert cards currently used across the UK, and you may know them as chemotherapy alert cards, immunotherapy alert cards or a cancer drug treatment alert card. These cards are usually given to people receiving cancer drug treatment and contain important information about their treatment and what to do if they become unwell. Throughout this document, we will use the term ‘alert card’ to refer to all these cards.

We want to understand what people's experiences of these alert cards are and how they use them in their everyday lives. We are inviting people who have received an alert card to share their experiences and views so that any future national standard is informed by what matters most to people.

Who are we looking for?

We would like to hear from people who:

• Are aged 18 or over
• Live in the United Kingdom
• Have received an alert card personally or for someone they have cared for (You do not need to have used the card. We are interested in hearing from anyone who has received one.)

Why are we seeking your input?

We want to understand how people with lived experience of receiving alert cards, understand and use them in practice. Your experiences and insights will directly inform the future direction of this project which may involve the development of a national alert card standard.

What skills and abilities do I need to have?

• You do not need any special skills or experience. We are simply interested in hearing about your own experiences and views.
• Access to the internet, Microsoft Teams, and email. Please note: we can provide guidance and support on using Microsoft Teams video calls.

How can I get involved?

There are two ways to get involved, detailed below. You do not need to do both, you can choose whichever option works best for you. Both options will explore:

• Your experience of receiving and using an alert card
• How useful you found it
• What you think alert cards should do in future
• Whether you would like to be involved in future work

 1. Complete an online survey

The survey will take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete and can be accessed here: National SACT Alert Card Project Survey – Fill out form

 2. Join an online focus group

Take part in a facilitated online discussion with other people who have received an alert card. To register your interest in joining a focus group, please complete this online Expression of Interest form to let us know your availability: National SACT Alert Card Focus Group - Expression of Interest – Fill out form.

Focus groups will be scheduled based on availability and will aim to include a broad range of experiences and views. Details will be shared by email. Places on the focus groups may be limited, and we may not be able to meet everyone’s availability.

 If you have any questions, or if you would like support to complete the form, please email cancervoices@macmillan.org.uk and a member of the project team will be in touch.

 What you can expect from us:

• Updates on the progress of the project and the impact of your involvement.
• The experiences you share with us will be treated in confidence.
• A commitment to use plain, jargon free language in our communications.
• Information about other support that may be helpful, if you need it. We understand that talking aboutcancer can be difficult, you can withdraw or take a break from the project at any time.
• A commitment to accommodating all access requirements as fully as possible to enable you to take part in the project.

 Accessibility:

People invited to take part in the project will be given the opportunity to share any accessibility requirements they have to ensure they are able to participate fully in the project. We will try our very best to meet everyone’s accessibility needs. In addition, if the listed role does not seem accessible to you, please get in touch. We will try our best to work with you in finding a solution that means you can contribute to the project.