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Ms Wendy Padley

Job: Research Assistant

School/department: School of Nursing and Midwifery

Address: Edith Murphy Building De Montfort University The Gateway Leicester LE1 9BH

T: +44 (0)116 2013917

E: wpadley@dmu.ac.uk

W: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/hls

 

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Personal profile

Wendy's particular interests lie in the following fields:
  • Qualitative research
  • Literature reviewing
  • Psychotherapy (practising, qualified and accredited)

Publications and outputs

  • Creative approaches towards protecting the planet in clinical skills and simulation in nursing education
    dc.title: Creative approaches towards protecting the planet in clinical skills and simulation in nursing education dc.contributor.author: Arden, Catherine; Taylor-Rollings, Hannah; Tremayne, Penny; Padley, Wendy; Hinsliff-Smith, K. dc.description.abstract: As we ponder the bigger picture of environmental issues, sustainability and global challenges as a society, we note that planetary health and sustainability is a theme at the next NET/NEP conference to be held in Singapore, Oct 2024 (Elsevier 2024). We have been reviewing some of our practices, particularly within our undergraduate nursing programmes and the materials we use in our clinical skills labs to set one context and to hopefully trigger some discussion for the reader. We are also responding to the Royal College of Nursing positioning statement (2019) “recognising climate change undermines the very foundations of our health” linked to the WHO equally stating that climate change is the “defining health challenge of our time” (WHO, 2023). Within all UK undergraduate nursing programmes, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), our professional body requires all candidates to undertake 50% theory and 50% clinical practice in their curricula and this approach is common across a wide range of programmes outside of the UK (Morgan et al., 2024). We are all aware that within our programmes an element of preparation is required for the acquisition of clinical skills prior to learners going into their mandatory clinical placements. Many Faculties also provide opportunities in purpose-built simulation or clinical skills labs (Borneuf & Haigh, 2010).
  • Facilitators and barriers to early diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (FILMM): a qualitative study of patient experiences living in England, UK
    dc.title: Facilitators and barriers to early diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (FILMM): a qualitative study of patient experiences living in England, UK dc.contributor.author: Oviasu, Osaretin; Coleby, Dawn; Padley, Wendy; Hinsliff-Smith, K. dc.description.abstract: BACKGROUND Partly due to late presentation and diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (MM), UK’s survival rate is below the European average [1]. To date, there has been little attention given to patients’ experiences prior to MM diagnosis as available studies have focused on their lived experiences after diagnosis [2], [3]. Therefore, to improve survival through earlier diagnosis, there is an urgent need to understand decision-making points prior to patients’ MM diagnosis. OBJECTIVES This UK based study aims to explore patients’ experiences from the moment they notice the first symptom until they receive a MM diagnosis. Primary objective • To explore the factors which affect mesothelioma patients’ diagnosis pathway from their first symptom to confirmed diagnosis from their perspective. Secondary objective • To explore patients’ understanding of the development of their symptoms, reasons for seeking medical help and the process of interaction with health care professionals METHODS This is a qualitative study using one-to-one interviews and was conducted with participants who live in England, UK. Recruitment was via two regional specialist MM outpatient clinics using a purposive sample. A total of 17 patients were recruited, consented and interviewed. The data from the interviews were analysed using framework analysis. We utilised a model of pathway to treatment [4] as a conceptual framework for conducting the interviews and for the analysis of the findings. This model identifies four stages/intervals where delay can occur in the pathway to diagnosis - Appraisal, Help-seeking, Diagnostic, and Pre-treatment intervals and provides a useful framework to describe the participants’ journey to diagnosis and clinical interventions. RESULTS Preliminary findings indicates that there were barriers and facilitators within each interval identified along the MM patients’ journey to diagnosis. Within the appraisal and diagnostic intervals, the presentation of vague symptoms that were mistaken for a less serious illness were found to be a barrier. Both the patients that presented with these symptoms and their health care professional (HCP) failed to investigate for MM at the onset thereby leading to a delayed diagnosis. CONCLUSION Our findings identify, from the patients’ perspective, areas for improvement in the interactions and decision points along the clinical pathways to confirmed MM diagnosis. Earlier symptom recognition by both patient and HCP including GPs can be used to target significant and avoidable delays along patients’ MM diagnosis pathway, thereby promoting earlier diagnosis and treatment options. REFERENCE LIST [1] Cancer Research UK, “Mesothelioma statistics,” Statistics by cancer type, 2018. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/mesothelioma (accessed Feb. 24, 2020). [2] A. Arber et al., “A research study exploring the patient’s experience during the first three months following a diagnosis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma,” Surrey, 2010. [Online]. Available: s.surrey.ac.uk/id/eprint/2517. [3] C. Warnock, K. Lord, B. Taylor, and A. Tod, “Patient experiences of participation in a radical thoracic surgical trial: Findings from the Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery Trial 2 (MARS 2),” Trials, vol. 20, no. 598, 2019, doi: 10.1186/s13063-019-3692-x. [4] F. Walter, A. Webster, S. Scott, and J. Emery, “The Andersen Model of Total Patient Delay: a systematic review of its application in cancer diagnosis,” J Heal. Serv Res Policy, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 110–118, 2012, doi: 10.1258/jhsrp.2011.010113.
  • ‘We went from understanding, to disappointment, resentment and often grief all in the space of 6 months’ A qualitative study of the stories of family carers of care home residents during COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. East Midlands Research into Ageing Network (EMRAN) Discussion Paper Series
    dc.title: ‘We went from understanding, to disappointment, resentment and often grief all in the space of 6 months’ A qualitative study of the stories of family carers of care home residents during COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. East Midlands Research into Ageing Network (EMRAN) Discussion Paper Series dc.contributor.author: Hinsliff-Smith, K.; de Vries, Kay; Padley, Wendy; Brown, Jayne; Griffiths, Sarah Ellen dc.description.abstract: When the WHO announced a global pandemic in response to COVID-19, individual countries reacted in a similar way with care homes closing their doors to visits, including visits from family members. The UK was no different, initially they closed to protect care home residents during a period of uncertainty, particularly as many were frail, with complex health needs and classed as vulnerable to the virus. This did however, create a sustained period of uncertainty for family members as well as the wider UK care home community. During 2020, 13 family carers in the UK shared their experiences through this period of COVID related enforced lockdowns, in total 27 interviews were conducted. Our findings and three themes narrate to time points when we were conducting interviews and were often linked to key changes in policy, often in the wider society but not conveyed into care home practices or visiting policies. Three overarching themes are described: Understanding and Acceptance, Disappointment and Resentment, Grief and Sense of Loss
  • 2021 Report of the Evaluation of the Work.Live.Leicestershire Programme
    dc.title: 2021 Report of the Evaluation of the Work.Live.Leicestershire Programme dc.contributor.author: Blair, Krista; McGill, George; Gkiontsi, Dimitra; de Vries, Kay; Brown, Jayne; Clayton, David; Coleby, Dawn; Dunn, Andrew; Oviasu, Osaretin; Padley, Wendy dc.description.abstract: The Work.Live.Leicestershire (WiLL) programme provided help to economically inactive or unemployed people in Leicestershire to move into job search, training, or employment. The programme aimed to help people into work or learning by improving their health and wellbeing, social engagement, and skills and work experience, and by supporting people as they volunteered, job searched or started a business. The programme was open to residents of rural Leicestershire who were economically inactive or unemployed, and targeted the areas of Hinckley and Bosworth, North West Leicestershire, Melton, and Harborough. As of November 2020, the programme had registered details of 535 participants1 (263 men and 266 women) across all age groups. 152 participants were 24 or under, and 158 participants were 51 or over. Of the participants registered, some will have just joined the programme, some will be part way through the programme, and some will have left the programme at various points after their initial engagement with WiLL. This report discusses findings from the second year of De Montfort University’s evaluation, focussing on programme results and how the programme supported people to address barriers to moving into work or learning. The programme is ongoing, and this report draws on data from both participants who had left the programme and those whose support was in progress.
  • Development of a tool to support managers in planning and evaluating staff training
    dc.title: Development of a tool to support managers in planning and evaluating staff training dc.contributor.author: Padley, Wendy; Long, Jaqui; Welyczko, Nikki; Dowsett, Deborah; Salter, Nick; Ford, Karen; Greenway, Carol; Brown, Jayne dc.description.abstract: Aim To explore decision-making and evaluation strategies used by healthcare managers in relation to staff training and education, and to develop a tool to support managers with these tasks. Method Using snowball sampling, 30 healthcare managers in a variety of healthcare settings were recruited and interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Four overarching themes were identified in relation to decision-making regarding staff training: the nature and characteristics of courses relevant to practice; the effect of practice requirements for education and training; staff motivation and interest; and the process of staff selection for training. Managers did not use formal, structured processes to make decisions about staff selection for training, nor to evaluate the outcomes of the training. Instead, they largely relied on their personal experience, knowledge and professional judgements. Based on these findings, the study team developed the Assessment, Planning and Evaluation of Training (APET) tool to support the planning and evaluation of training, and they invited feedback from healthcare managers. Positive feedback suggests that this tool could support managers’ decision-making in relation to planning and evaluating staff training. Conclusion Healthcare managers’ decision-making in relation to the planning and evaluation of staff training relied on judgements based on their personal experience and knowledge. The APET tool developed by the study team has the potential to ensure vital resources such as time and money are used optimally, which would improve outcomes for staff, patients and healthcare organisations.
  • Development of a tool to support managers’ decision-making and evaluation of staff education and training
    dc.title: Development of a tool to support managers’ decision-making and evaluation of staff education and training dc.contributor.author: Padley, Wendy; Long, J.; Welyczko, N. dc.description.abstract: Managers have a key role in ensuring staff are trained effectively so they can carry out their work to a high standard (Alvarez et al 2004, Duffield et al 2011). However, within the last five years, a number of high profile reports in England have identified significant failings in healthcare delivery and made recommendations to improve workforce education and training to enhance safety, quality and patient outcomes (Keogh 2013, Francis 2013, Cavendish 2013, Imison et al 2016). Indeed the UK Health Select committee in January 2018 stated that ‘Health Education England must reverse cuts to nurses’(House of Commons 2018) continuing professional development budgets. Funding allocated to trusts should be specifically ring-fenced for continuing professional development (CPD) for nurses, and specific funding should be made available to support CPD for nurses working in the community.’ They indicated they had heard ‘a clear message (…) that access to continuing professional development plays an important role in retention’ (House of Commons 2018). Operating in a climate where both time and financial resources are limited, it is important that managers make informed decisions about staff education and training which demonstrate value for money as well as improved service quality. However, factors such as competing organisational priorities and managers’ own time constraints may impact on their ability to make such decisions and to evaluate the outcomes of training attended. Decision making takes place in a variety of ways which include, but are not limited to, appraisals. This can result in choices which do not best serve staff, the patient or the organisation. In this context, a tool to aid managers’ decision-making regarding staff training may be valuable.
  • Do surgical care bundles reducethe risk of surgical site infectionsin patients undergoing colorectalsurgery? A systematic review andcohort meta-analysis of 8,515 patients
    dc.title: Do surgical care bundles reducethe risk of surgical site infectionsin patients undergoing colorectalsurgery? A systematic review andcohort meta-analysis of 8,515 patients dc.contributor.author: Tanner, Judith; Padley, Wendy; Assadian, O.; Leaper, David; Kiernan, Martin dc.description.abstract: BACKGROUND: Care bundles are a strategy that can be used to reduce the risk of surgical site infection (SSI), but individual studies of care bundles report conflicting outcomes. This study assesses the effectiveness of care bundles to reduce SSI among patients undergoing colorectal surgery. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and cohort studies of care bundles to reduce SSI. The search strategy included database and clinical trials register searches from 2012 until June 2014, searching reference lists of retrieved studies and contacting study authors to obtain missing data. The Downs and Black checklist was used to assess the quality of all studies. Raw data were used to calculate pooled relative risk (RR) estimates using Cochrane Review Manager. The I(2) statistic and funnel plots were performed to identify publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to examine the influence of individual data sets on pooled RRs. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included in the analysis, with 13 providing sufficient data for a meta-analysis. Most study bundles included core interventions such as antibiotic administration, appropriate hair removal, glycemic control, and normothermia. The SSI rate in the bundle group was 7.0% (328/4,649) compared with 15.1% (585/3,866) in a standard care group. The pooled effect of 13 studies with a total sample of 8,515 patients shows that surgical care bundles have a clinically important impact on reducing the risk of SSI compared to standard care with a CI of 0.55 (0.39-0.77; P = .0005). CONCLUSION: The systematic review and meta-analysis documents that use of an evidence-based, surgical care bundle in patients undergoing colorectal surgery significantly reduced the risk of SSI. dc.description: open access article
  • Towards LGBTQ-affirmative cancer care and support: Barriers and opportunities
    dc.title: Towards LGBTQ-affirmative cancer care and support: Barriers and opportunities dc.contributor.author: Williamson, I. R.; Fish, Julie; Wildbur, D.; Bell, Katie; Padley, Wendy; Brown, Jayne dc.description.abstract: Background: Survey data suggest that LGBT people report lower levels of satisfaction with healthcare for cancer than heterosexuals. This presentation summarises findings from recent qualitative research to understand the experiences of British LGBT people with cancer and their long-term partners. Methods: Participants were recruited through 5 oncology units at British hospitals, 2 cancer support charities and through media campaigns. In-depth interviews typically lasting between 45 and 75 minutes were carried out with 31 cancer patients who identified as lesbian (N=13), gay (N=14), bisexual (N= 3) and queer (N=1) and 9 long-term partners of cancer patients who identified as lesbian (N= 5), gay (N= 2) and trans* (N=2). Data were analysed through thematic analysis. Findings: Three themes are presented: Understanding the Motives, Meanings and ‘Mechanics’ of Disclosure explores how decisions around whether to ‘come out’ as LGBTQ are influenced by several factors including anticipated stigma, perceived moral or political ‘obligation’ and the manner of healthcare professionals. Creating and Communicating LGBTQ-Affirmative Spaces outlines anxieties faced by LGBTQ patients in interactions with staff and patients in clinical spaces such as waiting-rooms and hospital wards and the desire for more explicit evidencing of an anti-discriminatory culture. Finally Seeking LGBTQ-tailored Information and Support shows how current cancer support typically fails to meet psychosocial and psychosexual needs of LGBTQ patients. Discussion: The findings can be used to influence policy and practice by statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure that effective oncology treatment is accompanied by an holistic understanding of the needs and concerns of LGBTQ patients
  • Promoting good outcomes in Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual cancer care: a qualitative study of patients’experiences in clinical oncology
    dc.title: Promoting good outcomes in Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual cancer care: a qualitative study of patients’experiences in clinical oncology dc.contributor.author: Fish, Julie; Williamson, I. R.; Brown, Jayne; Padley, Wendy; Bell, Kathleen; Long, J. dc.description.abstract: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Cancer inequalities, including differences in cancer outcomes and patient satisfaction, affect a range of groups including lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people. In its strategy to reduce these inequalities, the Department of Health commissioned the Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) providing baseline data in which LGB patients were more likely to say their experiences were less positive than those of heterosexual patients. These differences included accessible information, psychosocial support and the human rights concerns of dignity and respect. The CPES, which was carried out in four successive years (2010-2014), suggesting that these are intractable problems, found that LGB patients were more likely to disagree with statements such as they ‘never felt treated as a set of cancer symptoms rather than as a whole person’ or the ‘doctor never talked about me as if I wasn’t there’. The CPES did not collect qualitative data and consequently the reasons for these differences were not known. This De Montfort University study, funded by Macmillan, illuminates some of the reasons for these survey findings as we were able to gather people’s accounts of their treatment and care. This report identifies key moments in the cancer journey where care provided for LGB cancer patients can contribute to their recovery and well-being. Alongside this evidence of unmet need, NHS England (2017) has recently issued guidance to support the introduction of mechanisms for recording sexual orientation across all health services in England for patients over 16. It recommends that sexual orientation monitoring occurs at every face to face contact with the patient. The collection of this monitoring data has implications; not only for cancer professionals, but also that patients themselves understand why this information is being requested. The report draws on LGB cancer patients’ motivations and methods for disclosing their sexual orientation and the perceived benefits of doing so for their quality of life. The findings will contribute to understanding the health benefits of coming out and how disclosure might be facilitated in hospital settings. This study provides compelling data about some of the factors underpinning inequalities in the experiences and, potentially, cancer outcomes for LGB patients. Managing the worry about whether it is safe to disclose their sexual orientation to professionals and the uncertainty about how this will be received presents an additional burden for LGB people with cancer. Participants in this study were sometimes hesitant to disclose because the opportunity did not arise or they were uncertain about its relevance. The report identifies some moments that matter in the care relationship where professionals could seek to facilitate disclosure thus contributing to Achieving World Class Cancer Outcomes (Department of Health, 2015) for LGB patients. In addition, the findings point to the importance of creating an inclusive care environment; participants noted that even in the Cancer Centres of Excellence, there were few visible signs of inclusion for LGB cancer patients. Steps to promote inclusion may entail a diversity policy statement, imagery on walls or the display of a LGB staff network on a hospital notice-board. participants also shared experiences where they were accepted in an everyday manner by hospital staff. They often talked about a whole hospital approach where they were acknowledged by staff from porters, health care assistants, nurses and consultants. These cancer narratives also highlight the need for LGB cancer support groups and tailored resources. The lack of LGB support groups in the UK mean that some participants were coping with their cancer with few forms of social and emotional support and they found few sources of information which addressed their needs. There was a clear demand for a greater range of LGB support resources that were relevant to the challenges and concerns of specific cancer types and reports of rather patchy provision in this regard, with differences influenced primarily by geographic location and cancer type. Finally, our findings suggest that participants had heterogeneous expectations of cancer care requiring complex .skills from professionals. Yet there is little or no curricula content in university programmes of Medicine or Nursing. This might suggest a lack of recognition of distinctive cancer care needs and may explain why participants reported different patient experiences even within the same hospital. The inclusion of research with LGB patients alongside heterosexual populations and relevant case studies to underpin Learning and Development and Continuous Professional Development to inform understanding of patient experience, psychosocial concerns and cancer risk is urgently needed.
  • An exploration of the experience of using the TENA Pants product compared to usual continence products as perceived by carers of people with dementia in care homes
    dc.title: An exploration of the experience of using the TENA Pants product compared to usual continence products as perceived by carers of people with dementia in care homes dc.contributor.author: Knifton, Chris; Bell, Katie; Padley, Wendy; Brown, Jayne dc.description.abstract: Abstract: Incontinence is a common symptom experienced by many older people with dementia, with an increased prevalence noted in care home settings when compared to community dwellings. Incontinence may often be a reason for care home admission. Absorbent continence pads are a common form of intervention with this client group. However, disposable continence pants are becoming more common and TENA Pants are one such example. Research Aim: To understand what are the key product satisfaction indicators for absorbent continence pads; and in light of this review the experience of using the TENA Pants product compared to currently used continence products with people with dementia in care homes. Methods: A review of the literature was undertaken to identify factors reported to affect user experience of absorbent continence pads. These results led to the development of a pre and post carer intervention questionnaire that focused on user satisfaction, which together with a semi-structured interview, reviewed a 4 week user trial of the TENA pull-up pants. Findings: Overall, high satisfaction levels with the product were recorded suggesting this to be a suitable continence product for people with dementia residing in care homes. However, the qualitative data showed that satisfaction with the pads was greatest when used with people in the early and mid-stages of disease progression. Three key factors were found to account for the highest percentage of satisfaction and as such are likely to become key predictor variables for good quality and satisfaction when developing absorbent continence pads for this client group, as well as key points for product development and marketing. These were: • Absorbent pads are comfortable to wear when they are dry • Absorbent pads need to be designed so they can be easily fitted and removed • Absorbent pads need to control odour well • Considerations for further research in this area are also discussed.

Click here to view a full listing of Wendy Padley's publications and outputs.

Key research outputs

Williamson, I.R., Fish,J., Wildbur, D., Bell, K., Padley, W. & Brown, J. (2018) Towards LGBTQ-affirmative cancer care and support: Barriers and opportunities [Oral Presentation]. 32nd Conference of European Health Psychological Society, Galway, Ireland, August 2018.

Fish, J., Williamson, I., Brown, J., Padley, W., Bell, K. and Long, J. (2018) Promoting good outcomes in Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual cancer care: a qualitative study of patients’ experiences in clinical oncology. Leicester: De Montfort University.

Tanner, J., Padley W., Kiernan M., Leaper D., Norrie, P., Baggott R. (2013) A benchmark too far: findings from a national survey of surgical site infection surveillance.

Tanner J., Padley W., Davey S., Murphy K., Brown B. (2012) Patients' experiences of surgical site infection.

Tanner J., Padley W., Davey S., Brown B., Murphy K. (2012) Patient narratives of surgical site infection patient narratives of surgical site infection.

Tanner J., Padley W., Davey S., Brown B., Murphy K. (2012) Utter despair: patients’ experiences of surgical site infection.

 

Research interests/expertise

Qualitative methods,  thematic analysis, interviewing in sensitive subjects, mental health; psychotherapy.

Areas of teaching

Literature searching, reviewing.

Qualifications

MA Psychotherapy, MBACP

MSc Library and Information Studies

Membership of professional associations and societies

Chartered Member, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals

Accredited Member, British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy

Externally funded research grants information

  • The patient experience of surgical site infection: Infection Prevention Society, qualitative interview based project, March 2011 - March 2012, research assistant (literature search, interviewing, writing up/dissemination).
  • Prototype skin preparation solution clinical trial: Molnlycke Health Care, clinical trial, July 2011 - November 2011, research assistant (lab work, carrying out trial work).

Internally funded research project information

Infection Control in the Ambulance Service: RIF award, background information audit, June 2011 - January 2012, research assistant (carrying out information audit and scoping exercise).