Patients’ Perception of Patient–Provider Communication in Fertility Preservation Decision Making Among Young Women With Cancer

Authors

Aakrati Mathur, Portland State University
E. Roberto Orellana, Portland State UniversityFollow
Amy Frohnmayer, Oregon Health & Science University
Pauline Jivanjee, Portland State UniversityFollow
Lillian Nail, Oregon Health & Science University
Brandon Hayes-Lattin, Oregon Health & Science University
Rebecca G. Block, Oregon Health & Science University

Published In

Sage Open

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2013

Subjects

Infertility -- Prevention, Human reproduction, Cancer -- Treatment -- Complications, Communication in medicine, Human fertility -- Decision making

Abstract

Fertility preservation (FP) for patients with cancer is an emerging field. With the advancement of technology, patients may face a complex decision-making process about whether to preserve fertility. The purpose of this article is to explore how young women with cancer perceive patient–provider communication in FP decision making. In this study, 25 women between the ages of 18 and 39 were interviewed retrospectively. They were interviewed one time to learn about their decision-making process related to FP. Results of this analysis indicate that patients seek support and involvement from providers throughout the process of decision making. They prefer providers to be directive when referring to the fertility clinic. Later in the process, they expect a supportive style of communication from providers. Patient-accessible language, supportive and reassuring styles of communication, and an existing relationship with providers may enhance well-being of the patients.

Description

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License (http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (http://www.uk.sagepub.com/aboutus/openaccess.htm).

© The Author(s) 2013

Locate the Document

https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244013505293

DOI

10.1177/2158244013505293

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/24068

Citation Details

Mathur, A., Orellana, E.R., Block, R.G., Frohnmayer, M.A., Jivanjee, P., & Hayes-Lattin, B. (2013). Patients’ perception of patient- provider communication in fertility preservation decision-making among young women with cancer. Sage Open.