Fertility preservation for cancer patients: Role of nursing attitudes.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 110-110
Author(s):  
Maria C. Grabowski ◽  
Deborah Spitzer ◽  
Shaghayegh Rezale ◽  
Catherine Close ◽  
Sonja Stutzman ◽  
...  

110 Background: Nurses play a pivotal role in ensuring adherence to quality guidelines. The 2006 American Society of Clinical Oncology - Quality Oncology Practice Initiative guidelines state that infertility risks should be discussed prior to initiation of fertility-reducing therapies for patients in their reproductive years. Despite this guideline on fertility preservation (FP), national compliance is only 6% (Tallent, 2013). Research is lacking in the understanding of nurses’ attitudes and behaviors towards FP and no tools exist from which to examine this problem. The purpose of this study is to gain increased understanding of potential barriers for nurses to recommend FP as an option for newly diagnosed patients. Methods: This instrument development study was developed by content experts and field tested with staff nurses. Next, an online survey method was used to examine factors associated with nursing recommendation for FP of newly diagnosed cancer patients. An anonymous online survey was sent to oncology nurses at UT Southwestern and members of the Oncology Nursing Society (Dallas Fort Worth Chapter). The endpoint of the study is a sound survey to assess nursing behaviors toward FP in diagnosed cancer patients. Standardized descriptive measures of central tendency were used to describe baseline characteristics for the sample. Factor analysis was completed using SAS v9.3 with orthogonal rotation. Scree plot was examined for factors and loading > 0.30 were retained. Results: Analysis of the first 67 returned surveys (Phase 1) supports a 15-item (5-factor) survey tool. Preliminary results suggested the need for education, referral availability, and system refinement. Phase 2 surveys of additional 200 was initiated in August 2015, with an expected close of enrollment date of December 2015. Conclusions: Cancer patients of childbearing age worry how treatment will affect their ability to have a child. This survey may be beneficial in identifying nursing attitudes regarding FP. All members of the care team should be sensitive to this concern and should recommend appropriate action. This study will identify nursing barriers to patient education, and will support system-wide implementation of a comprehensive FP program.

2011 ◽  
Vol 07 (01) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwendolyn P Quinn ◽  
Susan T Vadaparampil ◽  
◽  
◽  

Loss of fertility is often a negative consequence of cancer treatments that include chemotherapy and radiation. Cancer survivors who experience infertility are at increased risk for emotional distress and reduced quality of life. Fertility preservation options are available for cancer patients of childbearing age. Many cancer patients are greatly concerned about the loss of fertility and are interested in fertility preservation. Most preservation options are available only prior to the initiation of cancer treatment. Communication within this limited time-frame concerning fertility loss and fertility preservation options for newly diagnosed cancer patients is imperative. There are considerable barriers at the patient, physician, and system level that impede discussion and pursuit of fertility preservation for the newly diagnosed cancer patient. Barriers to fertility preservation include lack of physician referral, need for patient education resources, and financial costs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Fortin Ensign ◽  
Maya Hrachova ◽  
Susan Chang ◽  
Maciej M Mrugala

Abstract Background Molecular testing (MT) is utilized in neuro-oncology with increasing frequency. The aim of this study was to determine clinical practice patterns to acquire this information, interpret and utilize MT for patient care, and identify unmet needs in the practical clinical application of MT. Methods We conducted a voluntary online survey of providers within the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) membership database between March and April 2019. Results We received 152 responses out of 2022 SNO members (7.5% of membership). 88.8% of respondents routinely order MT for newly diagnosed gliomas. Of those who do not, testing is preferentially performed in younger patients or those with midline tumors. 82.8% use MT in recurrent gliomas. Other common indications included: metastatic tumors, meningioma, and medulloblastoma. Many providers utilize more than one resource (36.0%), most frequently using in-house (41.8%) over commercially available panels. 78.1% used the results for clinical decision-making, with BRAF, EGFR, ALK, and H3K27 mutations most commonly directing treatment decisions. Approximately, half (48.5%) of respondents have molecular tumor boards at their institutions. Respondents would like to see SNO-endorsed guidelines on MT, organized lists of targeted agents available for specific mutations, a database of targetable mutations and clinical trials, and more educational programs on MT. Conclusion This survey was marked by several limitations including response rate and interpretation of MT. Among respondents, there is routine use of MT in Neuro-Oncology, however, there remains a need for increased guidance for providers to effectively incorporate the expanding genomic data resulting from MT into daily Neuro-Oncology practice.


2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6629-6629 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. T. Vadaparampil ◽  
G. P. Quinn ◽  
J. Lancaster ◽  
P. Jacobsen ◽  
D. Keefe ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1119-1127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanfeng Zhang ◽  
Guorong Wang ◽  
Bin Jiang ◽  
Maoqiu Cao ◽  
Qinghua Jiang ◽  
...  

Abstract There is a growing concern about the fertility preservation for adult cancer patients of reproductive age. Very little literature exists about fertility preservation of cancer survivors in Chinese text. This study is first to describe the knowledge level, attitude, and practice behaviors among physicians concerning fertility preservation in adult cancer patients in China. A cross-sectional survey with 30-item was conducted to assess Chinese oncology physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and behaviors regarding fertility issues. Of 360 oncology physicians, 206 (57.2%) submitted valid questionnaires. With possible overall scores for knowledge and attitude of 9 and 15, respectively, physicians’ responses to the questionnaires were 3.91 ± 1.67 and 12.29 ± 1.23. Only 49.5% of physicians routinely informed their cancer patients of childbearing age about the risk of infertility with cancer treatment. The knowledge score of the men physicians was 2-fold that of the women. Physicians aged 20–29 years were significantly more likely than other age groups to prioritize cancer treatment over fertility concerns. Men physicians were significantly more comfortable than the women discussing fertility preservation issues and cooperating with fertility specialists. The oncology physicians in China had limited knowledge of fertility preservation and rarely discussed these issues with their patients, although their attitude was positive. Results suggest that oncology physicians would welcome an in-house fertility-related training program. Key Messages This is the first study to address the topic of fertility preservation as it relates to the care that oncologists provide to cancer patients in China. These results revealed the importance of providing fertility-related training program to oncology physicians. Moreover, this study should provide useful information for other Asian countries, and highlight both the similarities and differences between China and Western countries concerning the reproductive rights of patients. This study should encourage international cooperation with institutions of scientific research and education.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e16533-e16533
Author(s):  
Dana Lee ◽  
Ju-Hsien Chao ◽  
Sandy Stevens ◽  
Goetz H. Kloecker

e16533 Background: Accrual to clinical trials among adult cancer patients is persistently low. Patient preference plays an important role in enrollment. To identify the reasons why patients decline study participation, it is important, to evaluate the perceptions of newly diagnosed oncology patients about clinical trials. Methods: Patients were given a ten-question survey reflective of their attitudes regarding clinical trials as a treatment option at their initial visit. The self-directed questionnaire was scored on an ordinate scale from strongly agree (1) to strongly disagree (5). Results: Ninety-two new patients were surveyed in the cancer - specific multispecialty clinics in an academic cancer center. The patients expected information relating to eligible clinical trials and privacy protection by university sponsored studies as they strongly concurred with “I expect my doctor to inform me about clinical trials that I am eligible for” (mean score 2.15, p=0.001) followed by “all possible measures to protect my privacy are likely to be taken in a clinical trial that is sponsored by a university” (2.36, p=0.36). The strongest disagreement was “If enrolled in a clinical trial, I am comfortable being assigned by a method such as ‘flipping a coin’ or ‘throwing a dice’” (3.73, p=0.001) and “I would be willing to participate in a clinical trial as a first line treatment option” (3.50, p=0.001). Industry sponsored trials, phase 1 trials, second line treatment trials, privacy concerns and investigator initiated trials and time commitment and altruistic reasons did not significantly deviate from the mean preference (2.5) by a one sample T-test analysis. Conclusions: Patients consider the option of clinical trials as important in their treatment, and expect to be informed by their oncologist about clinical trials. Newly diagnosed cancer patients perceive randomization and first line trials negatively. Since randomized data provides new standards for care and hope for improved treatment, patients and their families must be educated about their importance.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 109-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuyuki Kojima ◽  
Kyoko Tsuchiya ◽  
Chie Nishijima ◽  
Nao Suzuki ◽  
Koichiro Tsugawa

109 Background: Along with increasing number of newly diagnosed Japanese breast cancer patients, the number of breast cancer survivors in reproductive age is also increasing. Among newly diagnosed Japanese breast cancer patients, 3182(6.6%) are under age 40 in 2011, which was 1610 in 2006. In our institute, we have been cooperating with gynecologists and providing fertility preservation program since 2010. Our aim is to access our team management, clinical impact and outcome of fertility preservation among young breast cancer patients in our institute. Methods: A patient, 1)without distant metastasis, 2)systemic chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy planned, 3)within reproductive age and 4)willing to preserve fertility, will be referred to oncofertility clinic. Chart review was done retrospectively. Results: Ninety-five patients had consultation to the oncofertility clinic between April 2010 and April 2015. The average age at consultation was 34.1(range 22-44). Almost all patient had invasive cancer; cStage0:4%, cStageI:31%, cStageII:53%, cStageIII:11%. Fifty-five percent had estrogen receptor (ER) positive/HER2 negative, 31% had ER positive/HER2positive, 2% had ER negative/HER2 positive and 12% had ER negative/HER2 negative breast cancer. Forty-five had counseling without any procedure, 22 underwent ovarian tissue cryopreservation, 17 underwent embryo cryopreservation and 8 underwent oocyte cryopreservation. Because observation period is still short, we haven’t had any case that got pregnant or delivered, yet. Conclusions: The number of patient who choose to underwent fertility preservation is increasing. We have actually started facing proposition, when we shall lay aside adjuvant therapy and let them plan to be conceived. Taking risk into account, we are now evaluating the safety of cancer treatment and outcome of each procedure which undergone multidisciplinary deliberate decision-making process.


2008 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 784-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwendolyn P. Quinn ◽  
Susan T. Vadaparampil ◽  
Bethany A. Bell-Ellison ◽  
Clement K. Gwede ◽  
Terrance L. Albrecht

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 298-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Debono ◽  
Jenna M. Kohnke ◽  
Paul R. Helft

The ASCO Recommendations on Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients were issued in 2006, but evidence suggests many oncologists are unaware of the guidelines and are reluctant to initiate conversations pertaining to fertility with patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 88-97
Author(s):  
Cahit Kaya ◽  
Jill Bezyak ◽  
Fong Chan ◽  
Kevin Bengtson ◽  
Sharon Hsu

Abstract. Previous research shows that perceived autonomy support is significantly associated with positive health outcomes for different clinical populations. However, there is not a standardized measurement tool that assesses perceived autonomy support for the Turkish population. This study translated the Health Care Climate Questionnaire (HCCQ), a perceived autonomy support measurement tool, into Turkish and investigated the factorial structure of the questionnaire with a group of patients with cancer. This study used a convenience-sampling method with 192 people with cancer. The participants were recruited from a major cancer institute and a non-profit organization in Turkey by research partners. Volunteer participants either filled out a hard copy of a survey packet or completed the survey packet through a secured online survey tool website (i.e., https://www.surveymonkey.com ). In addition, a closed Facebook group for cancer survivors in Turkey was used to advertise the study’s link. The results indicated the participants perceived a moderate level of autonomy support. In comparison to German and US populations, perceived autonomy support was low among Turkish cancer patients. The results also indicated that the HCCQ has a two-factor measurement structure. Correlations with external variables indicated that the scores of HCCQ were significantly positively associated with life satisfaction and quality of life of cancer patients and negatively associated with cancer related symptoms (e.g., fatigue).


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