Nurses' experiences of undertaking fertility-related discussions with Teenagers and Young Adults with cancer: an interpretive phenomenological analysis

Aims: To explore and interpret nurses’ experiences, feelings and associated meanings attached to undertaking fertility-related discussions with teenagers and young adults with cancer. To advance an understanding of factors which facilitate or hinder such discussions, in order to progress clinical practice. Background: Improved cancer treatments have increased survival rates for many teenagers and young adults. However, as a side-effect of treatment, infertility may result. International and UK studies suggest this patient population may not be provided with adequate opportunities to discuss this important issue. Little is known about nurses’ experiences of undertaking fertility-related discussions. Design: Qualitative Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Methods: Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted between February-May 2016 with purposively selected nurses working in a Teenage Cancer Trust Unit within a UK hospital. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Findings: Nurses experienced a perceived lack of knowledge resulting in avoidance of raising fertility issues. Nurses expressed a specific need for more knowledge and education which was viewed as an essential pre-requisite to their participation in discussions. The limited time frame for female patients to preserve fertility prior to commencement of treatment was felt to inhibit both fertility-related discussion and fertility preservation. Conclusion: On-going education and support for nurses may ensure teenage and young adult cancer patients’ reproductive needs are met. Nurses need to consider ways to ensure female patients benefit from improved information regarding infertility risks and preservation options to support their reproductive needs.