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Fertility preservation counselling in Dutch Oncology Practice: Are nurses ready to assist physicians?
Author(s) -
Krouwel E.M.,
Nicolai M.P.J.,
Steijnvan Tol A.Q.M.J.,
Putter H.,
Osanto S.,
Pelger R.C.M.,
Elzevier H.W.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.12614
Subject(s) - medicine , fertility preservation , fertility , family medicine , distress , nursing , oncology , population , clinical psychology , environmental health
Cancer and its treatments may result in impaired fertility, which could cause long‐term distress to cancer survivors. For eligible patients, fertility preservation ( FP ) is available to secure future reproductive potential. Many physicians, however, feel inhibited about discussing FP . Oncology nurses may serve as an initiator for discussing the subject and provide additional support. Our aim was to investigate their knowledge about FP , the way they apply this, and possible barriers to discussing FP with patients of reproductive age. A questionnaire was administered via mail, Internet and the Dutch Oncology Nursing Congress. Four hundred and twenty‐one oncology nurses participated, a third of whom (31.1%) had “sufficient” knowledge of FP . Twenty‐eight per cent of participants reported that they “never/hardly ever” discussed FP ; 32.2% “almost always/always.” FP discussions were more frequently performed by graduate nurses, academic nurses, experienced nurses and nurses with sufficient knowledge. Reasons for not discussing FP were a “lack of knowledge” (25.2%), “poor prognosis” (16.4%) and “lack of time” (10.5%). In conclusion, several obstacles may result in FP not being routinely discussed, specifically a lack of knowledge. Yet nurses feel responsible for addressing the issue, indicating that assistance with FP discussions should be encouraged. Educational training about FP is recommended.

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