Treatment decision making for prostate cancer: A meta-ethnography of couples' experiences

Why this project was conducted?

Making treatment decisions for prostate cancer can be complex because much of the evidence on the effectiveness of different treatments is unclear. Treatments for prostate cancer can have wide-ranging side effects that can impact on both the patient and their partner. This project was conducted to explore the factors which influence patients', and their partners' treatment decision making for prostate cancer.

How this project was carried out?

A review of the findings of published qualitative papers (e.g. studies that used methods such as interviews or group discussions) was undertaken to identify and understand barriers and facilitators which impact on this process.

What were the main findings of this project?

The couples in the studies described going through a process which involved narrowing available treatment options to one acceptable choice. Preference for involvement in this decision-making process varied, as did their desire for information. The studies also highlighted that couples' relationship 'dynamic' provided the contextual background against which treatment decisions were negotiated and made.

Conclusions

Findings from this review could enhance the potential for shared decision-making for patients, and their partners, when facing a treatment decision for prostate cancer. Services could be strengthened by taking account of both the needs and preferences of patients and their partners and significant others.

Contact person

Katie Schumm ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Collaborators

Zoë Skea, Lorna McKee and James N'Dow

Publications

Schumm K, Skea ZC, McKee L, N'Dow J. 'They're doing surgery on two people': A meta-ethnography of the influences on couples' treatment decision making for prostate cancer. Health Expectations. Available online at

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1369-7625.2010.00624.x/abstract

Back to Projects Completed