Melody Besharati1,2, Teresa Woodruff3, David Victorson3. 1. 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center , San Jose, California. 2. 2 School of Medicine, University of California , Irvine, Irvine, California. 3. 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago, Illinois.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This qualitative study aims to characterize the factors that influence access to fertility preservation (FP) resources and services after cancer diagnosis at NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) minority/underserved community sites, which serve patient populations comprising at least 30% racial/ethnic minorities or rural residents. METHODS: Phone interviews were conducted from 2014 to 2015 with interested and knowledgeable healthcare providers practicing at NCORP minority/underserved community sites, using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were transcribed, de-identified, and analyzed using qualitative analysis software, Dedoose, to determine the most common themes in access to FP resources and services. RESULTS: Interviews were conducted with 10 board-certified physicians practicing at 10 of the 12 NCORP minority/underserved community sites; five respondents identified as oncologists, and five were reproductive endocrinology/infertility specialists (n = 4) or obstetricians/gynecologists (n = 1). Findings revealed highly variable access to FP resources at each site. Notable barriers to FP services were cost, time, provider education, lack of clinical guideline application, and perceptions among healthcare providers that negatively affect the discussion of options and risks with eligible patients. CONCLUSION: Clinical FP guidelines and resources for cancer patients and healthcare providers need to be better integrated into existing cancer networks that serve minority and underserved patient populations. Providers need more education regarding timely provision of FP services to all newly diagnosed cancer patients of reproductive age.
PURPOSE: This qualitative study aims to characterize the factors that influence access to fertility preservation (FP) resources and services after cancer diagnosis at NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) minority/underserved community sites, which serve patient populations comprising at least 30% racial/ethnic minorities or rural residents. METHODS: Phone interviews were conducted from 2014 to 2015 with interested and knowledgeable healthcare providers practicing at NCORP minority/underserved community sites, using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were transcribed, de-identified, and analyzed using qualitative analysis software, Dedoose, to determine the most common themes in access to FP resources and services. RESULTS: Interviews were conducted with 10 board-certified physicians practicing at 10 of the 12 NCORP minority/underserved community sites; five respondents identified as oncologists, and five were reproductive endocrinology/infertility specialists (n = 4) or obstetricians/gynecologists (n = 1). Findings revealed highly variable access to FP resources at each site. Notable barriers to FP services were cost, time, provider education, lack of clinical guideline application, and perceptions among healthcare providers that negatively affect the discussion of options and risks with eligible patients. CONCLUSION: Clinical FP guidelines and resources for cancerpatients and healthcare providers need to be better integrated into existing cancer networks that serve minority and underserved patient populations. Providers need more education regarding timely provision of FP services to all newly diagnosed cancerpatients of reproductive age.
Authors: Andrea C Johnson; Darren Mays; Kathryn Rehberg; Aziza Shad; Kenneth P Tercyak Journal: J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol Date: 2018-04-19 Impact factor: 2.223
Authors: Erin M Mobley; Ginny L Ryan; Amy E Sparks; Varun Monga; William W Terry Journal: J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol Date: 2019-10-25 Impact factor: 2.223
Authors: John M Salsman; Betina Yanez; Mallory A Snyder; Alexis R Avina; Marla L Clayman; Kristin N Smith; Khouri Purnell; David Victorson Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2021-03-25 Impact factor: 3.359