Co-design and evaluation of a digital interdisciplinary educational tool about pancreatic cancer: a mixed methods study protocol

Background: Pancreatic cancer remains the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the UK, with poor survival outcomes due to late presentation and complex psychosocial care needs. Despite this, healthcare education on pancreatic cancer, particularly its psycho-oncological dimensions, remains minimal. Objective: This study aims to co-design and evaluate an interdisciplinary, asynchronous digital education resource to improve pre-registration nursing, medical, and pharmacy students' knowledge of pancreatic cancer, including the psychosocial needs of patients and families. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods design underpins this study. Phase 1 involves co-design workshops with healthcare professionals, students, and individuals with lived experience of pancreatic cancer. These workshops will ensure the resource reflects real-world challenges, including psycho-oncological and palliative care dimensions. Phase 2 will pilot the intervention using validated pre- and post-test questionnaires assessing knowledge and self-efficacy. Phase 3 includes focus groups with students to evaluate perceived behavioural changes and integration of psychosocial principles into clinical reasoning. Instruments: Validated tools will assess knowledge acquisition and self-efficacy, with reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative data using Braun & Clarke's framework. Conclusion: This study will result in a rigorously developed educational resource to address a critical gap in healthcare education. By embedding psycho-oncological content and applying robust evaluation methods, the intervention aims to improve student preparedness in delivering holistic, compassionate care to individuals affected by pancreatic cancer.