Nicole Collaço1, Carol Rivas2, Lauren Matheson3, Johana Nayoan2, Richard Wagland2, Obrey Alexis3, Anna Gavin4, Adam Glaser5, Eila Watson3. 1. Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Jack Straws Lane, Oxford, OX3 0FL, UK. nicole.collaco-2016@brookes.ac.uk. 2. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, S017 1BJ, Southampton, UK. 3. Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Jack Straws Lane, Oxford, OX3 0FL, UK. 4. School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University, Belfast, BT12 6BA, UK. 5. Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Worsley Building, Leeds, LS2 9NL, UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To review and interpret existing qualitative literature on the experiences of couples affected by prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: A metasynthesis was carried out which included a systematic search of seven databases between 2000 and 2016. A modified version of Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesise qualitative study findings and inform overarching interpretations. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies focusing on the experiences of men with PCa and their partner dyad were included producing seven interconnected constructs. The construct accepting change vs seeking continuity reflects the range of ways individuals within the dyad and couples adjust to the diagnosis. Cultivating connection vs disengaging illustrates how couples seek to manage the impact of PCa and its treatment on their relationship, which may lead to a threatened identity, including sexual insecurities. Shielding me, you and us reflects the ways in which couples strive to protect themselves as individuals and/or each other from the impact of PCa. Being a partner and its challenges highlights the responsibilities partners assume and the impact of their supporting role. Yet, partners sometimes report feeling unsupported and side-lined both by the man they are caring for and by healthcare professionals. Couples often recognise the value of facing PCa together. CONCLUSIONS: PCa affects both members of the dyad as individuals, as well as the couple's relationship. How best to support couples and how to overcome difficulties in expressing their concerns to one another requires further consideration. Healthcare professionals should endeavour to employ a couple-focused approach where appropriate.
PURPOSE: To review and interpret existing qualitative literature on the experiences of couples affected by prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: A metasynthesis was carried out which included a systematic search of seven databases between 2000 and 2016. A modified version of Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesise qualitative study findings and inform overarching interpretations. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies focusing on the experiences of men with PCa and their partner dyad were included producing seven interconnected constructs. The construct accepting change vs seeking continuity reflects the range of ways individuals within the dyad and couples adjust to the diagnosis. Cultivating connection vs disengaging illustrates how couples seek to manage the impact of PCa and its treatment on their relationship, which may lead to a threatened identity, including sexual insecurities. Shielding me, you and us reflects the ways in which couples strive to protect themselves as individuals and/or each other from the impact of PCa. Being a partner and its challenges highlights the responsibilities partners assume and the impact of their supporting role. Yet, partners sometimes report feeling unsupported and side-lined both by the man they are caring for and by healthcare professionals. Couples often recognise the value of facing PCa together. CONCLUSIONS: PCa affects both members of the dyad as individuals, as well as the couple's relationship. How best to support couples and how to overcome difficulties in expressing their concerns to one another requires further consideration. Healthcare professionals should endeavour to employ a couple-focused approach where appropriate.
Authors: Omar Eymech; Oliver Brunckhorst; Louis Fox; Anam Jawaid; Mieke Van Hemelrijck; Robert Stewart; Prokar Dasgupta; Kamran Ahmed Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2022-03-19 Impact factor: 3.359
Authors: Julie Midtgaard; Tine Tjørnhøj-Thomsen; Mette Rørth; Malene Kronborg; Eik D Bjerre; John L Oliffe Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2021-07-15 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Nicole Collaço; Richard Wagland; Obrey Alexis; Anna Gavin; Adam Glaser; Eila K Watson Journal: J Cancer Surviv Date: 2020-09-24 Impact factor: 4.442