A content analysis of multidimensional support needs regarding fertility among cancer patients: How can nonphysician health care providers support?

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify support needs among young cancer patients regarding fertility-related issues to describe multidimensional support provided by nonphysician health care providers. Methods: Participants were cancer patients and their families who contacted the Hotline for Cancer Treatment and Reproduction at National Cancer Center Hospital in Japan. Medical charts were analyzed through content analysis. Results: A total of 51 participants met the inclusion criteria, of which 32 cases (63%) involved patients themselves, 13 (25%) patients' family members, and 6 (12%) both patients and their families. About patients' demographic status, 40% of the patients were female and 28% were in their thirties. Gynecological and breast cancer patients were the majority, and 24 patients (47%) had not yet started cancer treatment. As a result of content analysis regarding support needs, 9 categories and 55 codes were extracted. The categories included information about risk of infertility, information about means to maintain reproductive function, referral to specialists, support for economic burden, support for worry about cancer progression, support for psychological distress upon facing the risk of infertility, support for communication with oncologists, support for family relationships, and decisional aid. Conclusions: This study suggests that nonphysician health care providers should acquire knowledge about fertility preservation and provide psychological support within their specialties.