Aakrati Mathur1, Aubri S Hoffman2, June Weston2, Laura C Crocker3, Deborah A Holman2, Andrea Bradford4, Terri L Woodard2,5. 1. School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA. 2. Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. 3. Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. 4. Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. 5. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the needs and perspective of (1) couples and (2) spouses/partners when considering fertility preservation after a cancer diagnosis. RESEARCH APPROACH: Semi-structured interviews explored (1) couples' shared decision-making and (2) spouses'/partners' individual perspectives. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve female cancer survivors and their partners (spouses or domestic/romantic partners) (n = 24). METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH: Dyadic and individual interviews were conducted using a Decisional Needs Assessment interview guide. Thematic analysis identified key themes. FINDINGS: Couples reported making fertility preservation decisions like other major decisions, including prioritizing mutual satisfaction. Partners also reported concerns about patients' health, variable decision-making needs, and letting patients lead. Couples unanimously recommended fertility preservation consultations, and designing resources that provide information and assess needs for both patients and partners. INTERPRETATIONS: Patients and partners have shared and unique needs when facing fertility preservation decisions. IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS OR POLICY: Whenever feasible, psychosocial providers should assess and address couples' and partners' fertility preservation decision-making needs.
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the needs and perspective of (1) couples and (2) spouses/partners when considering fertility preservation after a cancer diagnosis. RESEARCH APPROACH: Semi-structured interviews explored (1) couples' shared decision-making and (2) spouses'/partners' individual perspectives. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve female cancer survivors and their partners (spouses or domestic/romantic partners) (n = 24). METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH: Dyadic and individual interviews were conducted using a Decisional Needs Assessment interview guide. Thematic analysis identified key themes. FINDINGS: Couples reported making fertility preservation decisions like other major decisions, including prioritizing mutual satisfaction. Partners also reported concerns about patients' health, variable decision-making needs, and letting patients lead. Couples unanimously recommended fertility preservation consultations, and designing resources that provide information and assess needs for both patients and partners. INTERPRETATIONS: Patients and partners have shared and unique needs when facing fertility preservation decisions. IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS OR POLICY: Whenever feasible, psychosocial providers should assess and address couples' and partners' fertility preservation decision-making needs.
Entities:
Keywords:
fertility preservation; cancer; decision making; decision support techniques
Authors: Catherine Benedict; Katherine L Dauber-Decker; Jennifer S Ford; D'Arcy King; David Spiegel; Lidia Schapira; Pamela Simon; Michael Diefenbach Journal: JMIR Cancer Date: 2022-05-31