"I wish I'd told them": a qualitative study examining the unmet psychosexual needs of prostate cancer patients during follow-up after treatment

Urinary Incontinence Following Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Literature Review

Prostate cancer ranks as one of the most prevalent cancers among men in the United States, contributing significantly to cancer-related mortality. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has become a cornerstone in the management of localized prostate cancer. This literature review delves into the outcomes of RARP, specifically its impact on urinary incontinence (UI) compared to other surgical methods. We also present the importance of patient perception versus medical reports. Recent studies and trials have unveiled that postoperative UI and erectile dysfunction (ED) remain common concerns following prostatectomy. However, studies have shown that RARP has lower occurrences of UI and ED compared to radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). While the choice of surgical method may not drastically affect these outcomes, the review emphasizes that urinary incontinence extends beyond physical symptoms. It profoundly impacts patients' psychological well-being, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Differences in symptom recording and interpretation between patients and healthcare professionals can significantly influence the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Enhanced patient-physician communication and patient-centered care are essential to providing a holistic approach to prostate cancer management. The choice of surgical methods may not significantly impact postoperative urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Continued research and advancements in treatment and patient care are crucial for improving outcomes and the overall well-being of prostate cancer patients.

Exploring Men's Experiences with Follow-Up Care following Primary Treatment for Prostate Cancer in Atlantic Canada: A Qualitative Study

Prostate cancer is a common and life-altering condition among Canadian men, yet little is known about how follow-up care is provided to those who have completed treatment. Despite improving survival rates, survivors experience ongoing needs and are often not provided with support to manage them. This study sought to investigate the post-treatment experiences and needs of prostate cancer survivors and to determine if and how these needs are being met. Using a qualitative description design, prostate cancer survivors who had completed treatment took part in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded and analyzed thematically. The participants experienced varying levels of satisfaction with their follow-up care. While primary care providers played significant roles, continuity of care and specialist involvement varied. Most participants felt unprepared to manage the long-term effects of their cancer due to a lack of information and resources from their healthcare providers. Instead, participants turned to their peers for support. Ongoing physical and psychosocial needs went unmet and had significant impacts on their daily lives. Participants felt that support for these issues should be automatically integrated into their follow-up care. In summary, this study revealed the importance of integrated, patient-centered follow-up care for prostate cancer in Atlantic Canada.

A qualitative study on healthcare professional and patient perspectives on nurse-led virtual prostate cancer survivorship care

BACKGROUND

Virtual nurse-led care models designed with health care professionals (HCPs) and patients may support addressing unmet prostate cancer (PCa) survivor needs. Within this context, we aimed to better understand the optimal design of a service model for a proposed nurse-led PCa follow-up care platform (Ned Nurse).

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive study exploring follow-up and virtual care experiences to inform a nurse-led virtual clinic (Ned Nurse) with an a priori convenience sample of 10 HCPs and 10 patients. We provide a health ecosystem readiness checklist mapping facilitators onto CFIR and Proctor's implementation outcomes.

RESULTS

We show that barriers within the current standard of care include: fragmented follow-up, patient uncertainty, and long, persisting wait times despite telemedicine modalities. Participants indicate that a nurse-led clinic should be scoped to coordinate care and support patient self-management, with digital literacy considerations.

CONCLUSION

A nurse-led follow-up care model for PCa is seen by HCPs as acceptable, feasible, and appropriate for care delivery. Patients value its potential to provide role clarity, reinforce continuity of care, enhance mental health support, and increase access to timely and targeted care. These findings inform design, development, and implementation strategies for digital health interventions within complex settings, revealing opportunities to optimally situate these interventions to improve care.

Living with prostate cancer: a mixed-method evaluation of group therapy intervention to alleviate psychological distress in a Canadian setting

PURPOSE

To assess the effects of group therapy focused on the experience of living with prostate cancer (PC) on depression and mental well-being among men with the disease and to explore participant experiences of a guided opportunity to 'speak the unspeakable' as it pertains to living with PC.

METHODS

We used a mixed-method convergent design. Participants completed four validated self-report questionnaires at baseline, immediately after the final session, and at three, six, and 12 months follow-up. A repeated measures mixed-effect model examined the effects of the program on depression, mental well-being, and masculinity. Seven focus groups (n = 37) and 39 semi-structured individual interviews explored participant reactions at follow-up.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine (93%) participants completed the questionnaires at all follow-ups. Responses indicated improved mental well-being up to three months (p < 0.01) and a decrease in depressive symptoms to 12 months (p < 0.05). Qualitative analysis revealed how the cohesive group environment alleviated psychological stress, enabled participants to identify significant issues and concerns in their lives, and improved communication and relationship skills that were of value in the group as well as with family and friends. The facilitation was essential to guiding participants to 'speak the unspeakable.'

CONCLUSION

Men with PC who speak of their experience in a group setting with a guided process incorporating features of a life review appear to gain insight into the impact of PC in their lives, experience diminished features of depression and isolation, and enhance their communication skills within the groups as well as with family members and friends.

Experiences of sexual well-being interventions in males affected by genitourinary cancers and their partners: an integrative systematic review

PURPOSE

Sexual well-being has been identified as an unmet supportive care need among many individuals with genitourinary (GU) cancers. Little is known about the experiences of using sexual well-being interventions among men and their partners.

METHODS

This review was reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and followed a systematic review protocol. Data extraction and methodological quality appraisal were performed, and a narrative synthesis was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 21 publications (reporting on 18 studies) were included: six randomised control trials, seven cross-sectional studies, three qualitative studies, and five mixed methods studies. Sexual well-being interventions comprised medical/pharmacological and psychological support, including counselling and group discussion facilitation. The interventions were delivered using various modes: face-to-face, web-based/online, or telephone. Several themes emerged and included broadly: (1) communication with patient/partner and healthcare professionals, (2) educational and informational needs, and (3) timing and/or delivery of the interventions.

CONCLUSION

Sexual well-being concerns for men and their partners were evident from diagnosis and into survivorship. Participants benefited from interventions but many articulated difficulties with initiating the topic due to embarrassment and limited access to interventions in cancer services. Noteworthy, all studies were only representative of men diagnosed with prostate cancer, underscoring a significant gap in other GU cancer patient groups where sexual dysfunction is a prominent consequence of treatment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

This systematic review provides valuable new insights to inform future models of sexual well-being recovery interventions for patients and partners with prostate cancer, but further research is urgently needed in other GU cancer populations.

The impact of radical prostatectomy on the social well-being of prostate cancer survivors: A qualitative meta-synthesis

INTRODUCTION

The impact of radical prostatectomy on the social well-being of survivors remains poorly understood. This meta-synthesis therefore aimed to integrate the findings of qualitative research evaluating the impact of surgery on the patient relationships with partners, family and wider societal interactions.

METHODS

Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Embase were searched for qualitative studies evaluating social well-being dimensions. A thematic meta-synthesis was conducted to inductively construct descriptive themes and overarching analytical themes.

RESULTS

Thirty-one articles were included, with seven descriptive themes under two analytical themes generated to describe the experiences of 469 participants. 'Pathway to Conversion' encompassed three themes on the evolving social behaviour of men with both partners and family to adapt to their new normality postoperatively. 'A Man on My Own' discussed four themes focussing on both intimate and wider social relations, describing the stigma, shame and embarrassment felt by patients due to changes in their perceived body image and physical function. This resulted in men feeling alone, unsupported and seeking isolation.

CONCLUSION

Radical prostatectomy's impact on survivors' social well-being extends beyond surgery and causes a shift in their relationship dynamics with partner and family, highlighting the importance of preoperative and postoperative clinician's counselling to both patient and partner.

Establishment of a Rehabilitation Center for Patients with Prostate Cancer

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in Iran and is the third most common cancer in male population. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the necessity and efficacy of establishing a specific rehabilitation center for patients with prostate cancer. Methods: In this basic-applied research, we proposed the establishment of a rehabilitation center to support and decrease the complications of various treatments in patients with prostate cancer. After entering the rehabilitation process, a well-educated nurse and general physician trained in one of the similar European centers supported the patients to help themselves cope with unresolvable symptoms. To evaluate the patients’ satisfaction with the services offered by this rehabilitation center, the patients were asked to fill the Prostate Cancer-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire seven months after the first session. Results: In this study, 133 patients with prostate cancer (71 persons in the control group and 62 persons in the conservative treatment group) underwent the analysis. The participants’ mean age was 62.8 ± 2.31 years in the control group and 63.3 ± 4.54 years in the treatment group (P = 0.613). Moreover, the participants’ mean lifestyle scores were 5.3 ± 2.5 and 5.8 ± 2.8 in the control and treatment groups before the supportive care, respectively (P = 0.460). However, following the intervention, the scores were 5.3 ± 2.1 and 7.6 ± 1.9 in the control and treatment groups, respectively (P = 0.001). The mean lifestyle score was significantly higher after supportive care in the treatment group (P = 0.001). Conclusions: A prostate cancer-specified rehabilitation center providing supportive care by an educated healthcare professional can significantly improve the quality of life of patients with prostate cancer.

Testing the efficacy of a couple-focused, tailored eHealth intervention for symptom self-management among men with prostate cancer and their partners: the study protocol

BACKGROUND

Men with localized prostate cancer often experience urinary, sexual, bowel, and hormonal symptoms; general distress; pain; fatigue; and sleep disturbance. For men in an intimate relationship, these symptoms disrupt couples' relationships and intimacy. The symptoms also reduce quality of life for both men and their partners, who are often their primary caregivers. Management of the negative effects of cancer and its treatment is a significantly under-addressed supportive care need for these men and their intimate partners. To address these unmet supportive care needs, our interdisciplinary team developed and pilot tested the usability and feasibility of an evidence-based, couple-focused, tailored eHealth intervention, "Prostate Cancer Education & Resources for Couples" (PERC). Based on the adapted stress and coping theoretical framework and developed with stakeholder involvement, PERC aims to improve quality of life for both men and their partners by enhancing their positive appraisals, self-efficacy, social support, and healthy behaviors for symptom management.

METHODS

We will test the efficacy of PERC using a population-based, geographically and demographically diverse cohort in a randomized controlled trial. Primary aim: Assess if patients and partners receiving PERC will report greater improvement in their cancer-related quality of life scores than those in the control group (usual care plus the National Cancer Institute prostate cancer website) at 4, 8, and 12 months post-baseline. Secondary aim: Test if patients and partners in PERC will report significantly more positive appraisals and higher levels of coping resources at follow-ups than those in the control group. Exploratory aim: Determine if patient race and ethnicity, education, type of treatment, or couples' relationship quality moderate the effects of PERC on patient and partner QOL at follow-ups.

DISCUSSION

This study will provide a novel model for self-managing chronic illness symptoms that impact couples' relationships, intimacy, and quality of life. It addresses the National Institute of Nursing Research's goal to develop and test new strategies for symptom self-management to help patients and caregivers better manage their illness and improve quality of life. It also responds to calls for programs from the Institute of Medicine and American Cancer Society to address treatment-related effects and improve survivors' QOL.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CT.gov NCT03489057.

Type of treatment, symptoms and patient satisfaction play an important role in primary care contact during prostate cancer follow-up: results from the population-based PROFILES registry

BACKGROUND

With the increasing attention for the role of General Practitioners (GPs) after cancer treatment, it is important to better understand the involvement of GPs following prostate cancer treatment. This study investigates factors associated with GP contact during follow-up of prostate cancer survivors, such as patient, treatment and symptom variables, and satisfaction with, trust in, and appraised knowledge of GPs.

METHODS

Of 787 prostate cancer survivors diagnosed between 2007 and 2013, and selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, 557 (71%) responded to the invitation to complete a questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate which variables were associated with GP contact during follow- up.

RESULTS

In total, 200 (42%) prostate cancer survivors had contact with their GP during follow-up, and 76 (16%) survivors preferred more contact. Survivors who had an intermediate versus low educational level (OR = 2.0) were more likely to have had contact with their GP during follow-up. Survivors treated with surgery (OR = 2.8) or hormonal therapy (OR = 3.5) were also more likely to seek follow-up care from their GP compared to survivors who were treated with active surveillance. Patient reported bowel symptoms (OR = 1.4), hormonal symptoms (OR = 1.4), use of incontinence aids (OR = 1.6), and being satisfied with their GP (OR = 9.5) were also significantly associated with GP contact during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Education, treatment, symptoms and patient satisfaction were associated with GP contact during prostate cancer follow-up. These findings highlight the potential for adverse side-effects to be managed in primary care. In light of future changes in cancer care, evaluating prostate cancer follow-up in primary care remains important.

The unique information and communication needs of men affected by prostate cancer: A qualitative study of men's experience

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore the specific information and communication needs of men affected by prostate cancer to inform the development of educational materials for clinicians.

METHODS

This is a qualitative descriptive study. A purposive sampling strategy was used to identify men at different cancer stages and with experience of different treatment regimens. Semistructured interviews (25) were conducted with 19 men and six carers over the phone. Interview data were analysed using a framework approach.

RESULTS

Four themes emerged: gaps in the information provided by secondary care doctors and nurses, communication skills needed in effective clinical information provision, a need for individualised information and alternative information sources used to meet unmet needs. Regardless of cancer stage and treatment, men with prostate cancer and their carers found information regarding common and burdensome adverse effects of prostate cancer treatment particularly lacking, and their ongoing and changing information needs often overlooked. They needed information delivered in a compassionate and individually tailored manner, considering content, timing and emotional support within the context of their unique life circumstances.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians often fail to recognise the need for or deliver patient-centred conversations about treatment, managing side effects and prognosis. The findings will be used to develop clinician-facing educational materials.

The role of routine follow-up visits of prostate cancer survivors in addressing supportive care and information needs: a qualitative observational study

PURPOSE

To understand the role of routine follow-up visits in addressing prostate cancer survivors' supportive care and information needs.

METHODS

We audio-recorded follow-up visits of 32 prostate cancer survivors. Follow-up visits were analyzed according to the Verona Network of Sequence Analysis. We categorized survivors' cues, concerns, and questions into five supportive care domains and divided the responses by the healthcare professionals into providing versus reducing space that is to determine whether or not the response invites the patient to talk more about the expressed cue or concern.

RESULTS

Prostate cancer survivors mostly expressed cues, concerns, and questions (in the health system and information domain) about test results, potential impotence treatment, follow-up appointments, and (their) cancer treatment during follow-up visits. Survivors also expressed urinary complaints (physical and daily living domain) and worry about the recurrence of prostate cancer (psychological domain). Healthcare professionals were two times more likely to provide space on cues and concerns related to the physical and daily living domain than to psychological related issues.

CONCLUSION

Follow-up visits can serve to address prostate cancer survivors' supportive care and information needs, especially on the health system, information, and physical and daily living domain. Survivors also expressed problems in the psychological domain, although healthcare professionals scarcely provided space to these issues. We would like to encourage clinicians to use these results to personalize follow-up care. Also, these data can be used to develop tailored (eHealth) interventions to address supportive care and information needs and to develop new models of survivorship care delivery.

The value of information and support; Experiences among patients with prostate cancer

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore and analyse prostate cancer survivors` experiences and critical reflections of information received during their cancer trajectory.

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in men worldwide. Treatment causes side effects such as urinary incontinence, bowel changes and erection problems influencing sex life and manhood. Cancer pathways are designed to give patients and their relatives a predictable and as stress-free as possible treatment trajectory and minimise waiting time.

DESIGN

Qualitative, explorative research design.

METHODS

Focus groups with 16 prostate cancer survivors after having participated in an educational programme. The COREQ checklist was followed to ensure rigour in the study.

RESULTS

The main theme, 'Help me stay in control', and three subthemes, 'To be met with interest and support, enough knowledge to understand what is happening and a plan to build the new life on', emerged from qualitative analysis and highlighted the participants' need for information and support, specially scheduled at critical times in the treatment trajectory: the diagnostic phase, the treatment phase and the life after treatment. They also highlighted the need for empathy and interest from healthcare professionals and highlighted the need for arenas to discuss vulnerable topics. Contact with peers was perceived as supportive and encouraging.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare professionals must support prostate cancer survivors with empathy, interest and information tailored to their needs in three different phases. Continuity in information flow may increase trust and satisfaction among the prostate cancer survivors.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

PCa patients' need for information varied at critical times in their treatment trajectory. HCP should meet them with empathy and interest to be able to tailor their need for information and support.

Men's experiences of radiotherapy treatment for localized prostate cancer and its long-term treatment side effects: a longitudinal qualitative study

PURPOSE

To investigate men's experiences of receiving external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) for localized prostate cancer (LPCa) in the ProtecT trial.

METHODS

A longitudinal qualitative interview study was embedded in the ProtecT RCT. Sixteen men with clinically LPCa who underwent EBRT in ProtecT were purposively sampled to include a range of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. They participated in serial in-depth qualitative interviews for up to 8 years post-treatment, exploring experiences of treatment and its side effects over time.

RESULTS

Men experienced bowel, sexual, and urinary side effects, mostly in the short term but some persisted and were bothersome. Most men downplayed the impacts, voicing expectations of age-related decline, and normalizing these changes. There was some reticence to seek help, with men prioritizing their relationships and overall health and well-being over returning to pretreatment levels of function. Some unmet needs with regard to information about treatment schedules and side effects were reported, particularly among men with continuing functional symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reinforce the importance of providing universal clear, concise, and timely information and supportive resources in the short term, and more targeted and detailed information and care in the longer term to maintain and improve treatment experiences for men undergoing EBRT.

Experiences of Support for Sexual Dysfunction in Men With Prostate Cancer: Findings From a U.K.-Wide Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Men with prostate cancer (PCa) often experience sexual dysfunction following diagnosis and treatment, yet little is known about the support they receive to deal with this.

AIM

To explore men's experiences of support for sexual dysfunction following PCa diagnosis.

METHODS

This study included a U.K.-wide survey of men 18-42 months post-diagnosis of PCa, identified through cancer registries. The survey measured sexual function and the extent to which men perceived sexual dysfunction to be a problem (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite-26), access to and experience of medications, devices, and specialist services for sexual dysfunction, and included a free-text question for further comments. Analysis focussed on men who reported poor sexual function, which they considered a moderate or big problem. Descriptive statistics explored the characteristics of men offered intervention and those that found this helpful. Free-text responses were analyzed using thematic analysis.

OUTCOME

The main outcome of this study was to assess access to and experience of medications, devices, and specialist services for sexual dysfunction.

RESULTS

39.0% of all survey respondents (13,978/35,823) reported poor sexual function, which they considered a moderate or big problem. 51.7% of these men were not offered any intervention to aid sexual functioning. 71.9% of those offered an intervention reported trying it, of whom 48.7% found the intervention helpful. Men treated with surgery or brachytherapy were most likely to be offered an intervention. Medication was the most commonly offered intervention and 39.3% of those who tried medication found this helpful. Although offered less often, approximately half of the men who tried devices or attended specialist services found the intervention helpful. Free-text responses indicated that barriers to accessing support included inadequate information and support from healthcare professionals, embarrassment, negative views about treatment options, concerns about side effects and safety, and inconsistencies between secondary and primary care. Barriers to continuing use included limited effectiveness of treatments, inadequate ongoing support, and funding constraints. Drivers of sexual recovery included patient proactivity and persistence with trying different treatment options and ongoing support from health professionals.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

There is an urgent need to ensure that all men are offered, and have equal access to, sexual care support, with referral to specialist services when required.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

This study presents data from a large, U.K.-wide, population-based study of men with PCa and includes quantitative and qualitative findings. The possibility of non-response bias should, however, be considered.

CONCLUSION

There are significant shortcomings in the support offered to U.K. men with sexual dysfunction following diagnosis and treatment for PCa which need to be addressed. Watson E, Wilding S, Matheson L, et al. Experiences of Support for Sexual Dysfunction in Men With Prostate Cancer: Findings From a U.K.-Wide Mixed Methods Study. J Sex Med 2021;18:515-525.

Men's sexual help-seeking and care needs after radical prostatectomy or other non-hormonal, active prostate cancer treatments

OBJECTIVE

To examine prostate cancer (PCa) survivors' sexual help-seeking intentions, behaviours, and unmet needs.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, men who underwent active, non-hormonal treatment completed baseline (N = 558) and 6-month follow-up (N = 387) questionnaires. Theory of planned behaviour (TPB) constructs (sexual help-seeking intention, perceived behavioural control (PBC), subjective norm, attitude), masculine values (e.g., sexual importance/priority, emotional self-reliance), sex life and functioning, sexual supportive care needs, distress (anxiety, depression), and sexual help-seeking behaviour were assessed.

RESULTS

Most men (M age = 64.6 years; M years post-diagnosis = 4.0) received prostatectomy (93%), reported severe erectile dysfunction (52%), ≥ 1 unmet sexual care need (66%), and sought help from a doctor (baseline 52%, follow-up 42%). Sexual care needs were significantly associated with poorer erectile function, reduced satisfaction with sex-life, valuing sex as important/integral to identity (masculine values), and increased depression (p ≤ 0.001). Sexual help-seeking intentions were significantly associated with valuing sex as important/integral to identity, recent help-seeking, greater confidence/control, perceiving support from important others, and positive attitudes, for sexual help-seeking (p < 0.001). Significant predictors of sexual help-seeking (follow-up) were baseline intentions, recent help-seeking (p < 0.001), and increased anxiety (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Men's unmet sexual care needs, sexual help-seeking intentions, and behaviour appear driven by the importance/value attributed to sex, distress, positive feelings, support from others, and confidence for help-seeking. Psychosocial providers are well-placed to address men's concerns, yet few sought their assistance. Interventions to improve men's access to effective sexual care are needed, particularly focused on reframing masculine values about the importance of sex and leveraging TPB-based predictors of help-seeking.

GP experience and understandings of providing follow-up care in prostate cancer survivors in England

Survival times for prostate cancer have increased substantially, meaning more survivors will be discharged to General Practitioners' (GP) services. The detection of recurrence and monitoring of symptoms and long-term side-effects in prostate cancer survivors requires the active involvement of GPs in their follow-up care. In order to address this, the transition and discharge from hospital to primary care must be managed effectively. The objective of this study was to examine the preparedness, concerns and experiences of GPs in relation to their role in providing follow-up care to prostate cancer survivors. Purposive sampling was used to recruit GPs with experience in providing care to prostate cancer survivors. Twenty semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with GPs across England. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Participants described their current role in the follow-up pathway, a number of challenges and barriers in assuming this role, and potential ways to resolve these and improve their involvement. They expressed a range of views about their preparedness and willingness to take over follow-up care after discharge for this group of patients. GPs had reservations about workload, lack of resources, expertise and deficiencies in communication with hospitals. Findings from this study suggest that GPs will be ready to take over the follow-up care of prostate cancer survivors if better information, additional training and adequate resources are provided and communication lines with hospital specialists are clear. Understanding the issues faced by GPs and overcoming identified barriers to providing follow-up care to prostate cancer survivors will provide the insight necessary to make the process of transferring care from secondary to primary teams a more straightforward task for all stakeholders.

Communication about Sexual Health in Breast Cancer: What Can We Learn from Patients' Self-Report and Clinic Dialogue?

OBJECTIVE

Research assessing clinical communication about sexual health is limited. We compared clinical communication about sexual health across patients' self-reports and coded dialogue in breast cancer outpatients.

METHODS

134 patients had clinic visits audio-recorded and coded for sexual health communication and completed self-report questionnaires immediately after the visit. Associations between the self-report and dialogue were assessed using Phi coefficient. Agreements (present/absent) and discrepancies (omissions, commissions) about discussed topics were classified and discrepancies analyzed for themes.

RESULTS

Sexual health was discussed in 61 of 134 patient visits (46%). Associations were significant (p < .01) but differed by topic (φ = .27-.76). 37 women (23%) had ≥ 1 self-report error. Discrepancies were common (19 omissions, 29 commissions). Patients often omitted communication about sexual concerns when such concerns were not problematic, and interpreted non-specific discussions as including specific topics of concern, even when not explicitly stated. Omissions were more common for women with lower education.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' reports of whether sexual health communication occurs does not always align with observed dialogue, and may vary by personal relevance of the topic.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

There are limitations in determining the prevalence of clinical communication about sexual health through patient self-report. Explaining sexual health terms might enhance shared understanding.

Prostatic irradiation-induced sexual dysfunction: a review and multidisciplinary guide to management in the radical radiotherapy era (Part I defining the organ at risk for sexual toxicities)

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. Radiotherapy is a curative option that is administered via external beam radiation, brachytherapy, or in combination. Erectile, ejaculatory and orgasm dysfunction(s) is/are known potential and common toxicities associated with prostate radiotherapy. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians and/or scientists have written a three (3) part comprehensive review of the pathogenesis and management radiation-induced sexual dysfunction. Part I reviews pertinent anatomy associated with normal sexual function and then considers the pathogenesis of prostate radiation-induced sexual toxicities. Next, our team considers the associated radiobiological (including the effects of time, dose and fractionation) and physical (treatment planning and defining a novel Organ at Risk (OAR)) components that should be minded in the context of safe radiation treatment planning. The authors identify an OAR (i.e., the prostatic plexus) and provide suggestions on how to minimize injury to said OAR during the radiation treatment planning process.

A systematic review of the unmet supportive care needs of men on active surveillance for prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

Understanding the unmet supportive care needs of men on active surveillance for prostate cancer may enable researchers and health professionals to better support men and prevent discontinuation when there is no evidence of disease progression. This review aimed to identify the specific unmet supportive care needs of men on active surveillance.

METHODS

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Databases (Pubmed, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched to identify qualitative and/or quantitative studies that reported unmet needs specific to men on active surveillance. Quality appraisals were conducted before results were narratively synthesised.

RESULTS

Of the 3613 unique records identified, only eight articles were eligible (five qualitative and three cross-sectional studies). Unmet Informational, Emotional/Psychological, Social, and "Other" needs were identified. Only three studies had a primary aim of investigating unmet supportive care needs. Small active surveillance samples, use of nonvalidated measures, and minimal reporting of author reflexivity in qualitative studies were the main quality issues identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The unmet needs of men on active surveillance is an underresearched area. Preliminary evidence suggests the information available and provided to men during active surveillance is perceived as inadequate and inconsistent. Men may also be experiencing unmet psychological/emotional, social, and other needs; however, further representative, high-quality research is required to understand the magnitude of this issue. Reporting results specific to treatment type and utilising relevant theories/models (such as the social ecological model [SEM]) is recommended to ensure factors that may facilitate unmet needs are appropriately considered and reported.

Developing a digital intervention for cancer survivors: an evidence-, theory- and person-based approach

This paper illustrates a rigorous approach to developing digital interventions using an evidence-, theory- and person-based approach. Intervention planning included a rapid scoping review that identified cancer survivors' needs, including barriers and facilitators to intervention success. Review evidence (N = 49 papers) informed the intervention's Guiding Principles, theory-based behavioural analysis and logic model. The intervention was optimised based on feedback on a prototype intervention through interviews (N = 96) with cancer survivors and focus groups with NHS staff and cancer charity workers (N = 31). Interviews with cancer survivors highlighted barriers to engagement, such as concerns about physical activity worsening fatigue. Focus groups highlighted concerns about support appointment length and how to support distressed participants. Feedback informed intervention modifications, to maximise acceptability, feasibility and likelihood of behaviour change. Our systematic method for understanding user views enabled us to anticipate and address important barriers to engagement. This methodology may be useful to others developing digital interventions.

"Good care" throughout the prostate cancer pathway: Perspectives of patients and health professionals

PURPOSE

Men in follow up for prostate cancer represent the largest proportion of patients with the illness. In the United Kingdom, primary care is increasingly involved in caring for these patients. Little is known however regarding the factors that determine men's evaluation of their care and primary healthcare professionals' perceptions of the care they provide. This study aimed to investigate patient and primary care based health professionals' perspectives of what constitutes 'good care' for men with prostate cancer, including limiting or facilitating factors.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten patients and eight primary care based healthcare professionals and thematically analysed in collaboration with a patient representative group.

RESULTS

Good care was identified by patient participants, with aspects of communication, including information, active participation, sensitivity of approach and context being highlighted. Healthcare professionals also prioritised communication as the basis of good care and recognised the benefits of locally based services.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatments in prostate and other cancers continue to improve with corresponding increases in survival. To further develop and sustain the good care that patients require to help them cope with diagnosis, treatment and long term adjustment, investment in resources, training and innovative communication systems between patients, generalist and specialist services are required.

Sexual Aging: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research on the Sexuality and Sexual Health of Older Adults

Negative stereotypes regarding the sex lives of older adults persist, despite sexuality being an important factor that influences the quality of life. We conducted a systematic review of the qualitative literature on the sexuality and sexual health of older adults to address which topics have been researched and the quality of research within this field. We searched PsycINFO, SocINDEX, MEDLINE, and CINAHL for qualitative articles investigating the sexuality of adults aged 60+ years. We analyzed 69 articles using thematic analysis to synthesize their findings. We identified two overarching thematic categories: psychological and relational aspects of sexuality (personal meanings and understandings of sex, couplehood aspects, and sociocultural aspects) and health and sexuality (effects of illness and/or treatment on sexuality, and help-seeking behaviors). Research is needed into male sexual desire and pleasure, culture-specific and sexual/gender identities and their effect on outcomes such as help-seeking behavior and sexual satisfaction, and sexual risk-taking in older adults.

An ecological momentary assessment of self-management in prostate cancer survivors

PURPOSE

To assess the 'real-time' self-management strategies employed by prostate cancer survivors to inform personalised supportive care interventions in the future.

METHOD

A purposive sampling framework was used to recruit men with different stages of cancer and treatment to an ecological momentary assessment (capturing experiences in real time) study. Each participant was prompted by an audio alert to complete self-report questionnaires three times per day (93 data entries in total) for a total duration of 31 days. The personal digital assistant (PDA) and pocket interview software were used.

RESULTS

Prostate cancer survivors experienced a wide range of after-effects of therapy for which they used various self-management strategies. Many of the men experienced sexual dysfunction but did not perform any self-management.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reinforce the importance of having access to tailored, timely and person-centred supported self-management care plans. Real-time monitoring data can provide helpful information to facilitate tailored recommendations for self-management.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Prostate cancer survivors can experience unmet supportive care needs which may increase men's demands to perform self-management of their condition. Future clinical intervention studies aimed at utilising the remote exchange of real-time data serves to optimise tailored supported self-management.

Patient-clinician communication about sexual health in breast cancer: A mixed-methods analysis of clinic dialogue

OBJECTIVES

Breast cancer patients' sexual health needs are frequently unmet. We examined the prevalence and content of communication about sexual health between breast cancer patients and clinicians.

METHODS

Female breast cancer patients being seen in oncology clinic follow-up had a clinic visit audio recorded and self-reported sexual problems after the visit. Transcripts were coded for sexual health communication; data were analyzed descriptively or using Chi-square tests.

RESULTS

We recorded 67 patients (81% participation rate) interacting with one of 7 cancer clinicians (5 physicians; 2 advanced practice clinicians). Approximately 1/3 of women (n = 22) reported sexual problems; sexual health communication occurred with 10/22 of those women (45%). Across all 67 patients, 27 (40%) visits contained communication about sexual health. Seventy-percent of sexual health communication was clinician-initiated. When in-depth sexual health discussions occurred, the most common topics discussed were sexual inactivity (6), body image (5), vaginal dryness (4), and safety of sexual activity (2).

CONCLUSION

Communication about sexual health was uncommon even for women reporting sexual problems and was largely initiated by clinicians.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Because women with breast cancer often do not raise sexual concerns during clinic visits, breast cancer clinicians should raise the topic of sexual health for all patients.

Organisational enablers and barriers to the recognition of sexuality in aged care: A systematic review

AIM

To identify organisational characteristics and practices that promote or inhibit the recognition of sexuality in the care of older people in health and aged care settings.

BACKGROUND

Sexuality in old age is poorly understood by health professionals and rarely addressed in care planning and delivery. Nurse managers are ideally placed to lead organisations in promoting a culture of acceptance that enables the expression of sexuality.

EVALUATION

A search for research/expert opinion papers published from January 2004 to February 2017 was undertaken. Two reviewers performed data extraction and appraisal of 34 included studies using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. The primarily qualitative research was analysed to identify 152 findings that were organised into 22 categories and combined into four syntheses.

KEY ISSUE(S)

An organisation's philosophies frame the way older people's sexuality is perceived. Cultivating a culture and environment of acceptance, engagement and knowledge and delivering care in a way that promotes opportunity for safe and private expression of sexuality are key enabling factors.

CONCLUSION(S)

Organisations and nurse leaders can support and facilitate older adults' expression of their sexuality through the review and development of philosophies, policies, procedures, staff attitudes and knowledge and the creation of a conducive environment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Nurse managers play a pivotal role in developing a sexuality-positive organisational ethos by ensuring policies, care practices, the environment and amenities are supportive of the expression of sexuality and by role modelling attitudes of respect and inclusivity.

Intimacy and sexuality in women with breast cancer: professional guidance needed

BACKGROUND

Approximately 60-70% of breast cancer survivors experience sexuality problems resulting from treatment. This study investigated information and communication preferences with professionals on the topic intimacy and sexuality of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

METHODS

Members of the Dutch Breast Cancer Patient Association were surveyed regarding their experiences and preferences about information on intimacy and sexuality. An online questionnaire was developed that included five close-ended and one open-ended question regarding: information received; type of professional preferred; method and timing of communication on the topics of intimacy and sexuality. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. A deductive framework analysis was performed on the open-ended answers to enrich the data of the close-ended questions.

RESULTS

In total, 667 female breast cancer (ex-)patients participated. In 46% of the women, the information received matched their needs. Most women preferred to receive information about the impact on intimacy and sexuality from a nurse (66.4%) or primary doctor (27.9%). The preferred method of communication was a conversation with a professional together with their partner (51.6%) or a personal conversation with a professional. Respondents emphasized the importance of appropriate timing of information, preferably at least shortly after the treatment started (45.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that intimacy and sexuality should be repeatedly included in consultations, at every stage of the disease but especially shortly after treatment started. Women with breast cancer expect that professionals (preferably nurse or primary doctor) initiate this subject via a personal conversation (alone or with their partner).

Psychosexual experiences of men following radiotherapy for prostate cancer in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background

Radiation-induced erectile dysfunction (RiED) often occurs among patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) who undergo radiation treatment. However, sexual health care (SHC) is not a common practice in radiation oncology departments worldwide. Sexual health care in this context refers to a practice of integrating discussions around sexual well-being into the routine follow-up appointments of PCa patients to achieve better patient-centred care. Previous research identified unmet patient needs and mismatched expectations between patients and health care providers regarding SHC, but no such studies have been conducted in a South African setting.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the psychosexual experiences of men following radiotherapy for PCa treated in Johannesburg.

Setting

A qualitative phenomenology design with an interpretive research paradigm was employed, which allowed the study objectives to be achieved. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from a population of 305 patients. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed in a step-by-step approach.

Method

Data saturation was reached after completing semi-structured individual interviews (n = 9).

Results

Feedback received from the participants was classified into three main themes: (1) their sexual experiences after PCa diagnosis, (2) the impact of losing sexual function on their relationships and (3) the lack of information from medical oncology staff regarding sexual health. Diverse psychosexual experiences and emotional reactions associated with erectile dysfunction before and after radiation therapy were identified.

Conclusion

The loss of sexual function had a detrimental impact on the men’s quality of life, psychological well-being and intimate relationships. Participants shared unsatisfactory feelings about inconsistent and unmet SHC expectations in the radiation oncology clinic.

Distress and Supportive Care Needs of Ethnically Diverse Older Adults With Advanced or Recurrent Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence of supportive care needs (SCNs) and distress and to describe relationships among these and patient characteristics for ethnically diverse older adults with advanced or recurrent cancer.

SAMPLE & SETTING

Cross-sectional survey in five outpatient oncology clinics in an urban academic medical center involving 100 participants receiving cancer care in an economically challenged community.

METHODS & VARIABLES

The supportive care framework for cancer care guided this study, and participants completed the SCN Survey Short Form 34 and the Distress Thermometer. Study variables are cancer diagnosis, gender, helping to raise children, number of comorbid diseases, race or ethnicity, treatment status, and zip code.

RESULTS

Clinically meaningful distress was found in about a third of patients. Distress was not affected by race or ethnicity. Many ethnically diverse older patients with advanced or recurrent cancer report distress and SCNs; those with high distress are more likely to report multiple SCNs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Nursing assessment of patient SCNs and distress is integral to establishing individualized patient-centered care plans and to delivering optimal care.

A PERCEPÇÃO DE HOMENS E COMPANHEIRAS ACERCA DA DISFUNÇÃO ERÉTIL PÓS-PROSTATECTOMIA RADICAL

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a percepção de pacientes prostatectomizados e de suas companheiras acerca dos desafios vivenciados após a cirurgia, relacionados à sexualidade do casal e aos efeitos da disfunção erétil. Método: estudo descritivo-exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa com coleta de dados a partir de um roteiro semiestruturado aplicado com nove casais. A análise dos dados ocorreu por meio do levantamento de unidades de sentidos e formação de categorias empíricas a partir do referencial da Teoria Social Cognitiva. Resultados: o tempo de realização da prostatectomia variou entre um ano e oito meses a três anos e dois meses. Dentre os homens, a média de idade foi de 65 anos e das mulheres 59 anos. O processo de análise dos dados permitiu a identificação de duas categorias empíricas e os resultados apontam que os desafios enfrentados pelos pacientes se referem à dificuldade de diálogo e ao distanciamento entre o casal e a consequente introspecção dos homens, a preocupação com o fator idade, o medo de abandono e a insegurança dos homens quanto ao uso de medidas terapêuticas para recuperação da capacidade de ereção. Entretanto, outros casais vivenciaram aspectos positivos baseados na compreensão e apoio psicológico, e até mesmo em mudanças na forma de pensarem e viverem após a cirurgia. Conclusão: a cirurgia de prostatectomia gera repercussões no cotidiano dos pacientes e de suas companheiras, sendo que a percepção do casal em relação às implicações da cirurgia é fator determinante no processo de recuperação e enfrentamento dos desafios advindos do tratamento.

eHealth Literacy and Partner Involvement in Treatment Decision Making for Men With Newly Diagnosed Localized Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To examine how the eHealth literacy of partners of patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer affects their involvement in decision making, and to identify the factors that influence their eHealth literacy.
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DESIGN

Cross-sectional exploratory study.
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SETTING

North Carolina.
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SAMPLE

142 partners of men with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer. 
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METHODS

A telephone survey and descriptive and multiple linear regression analyses were used.
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MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

The partners' eHealth literacy, involvement in treatment decision making, and demographics, and the health statuses of the patients and their partners. 
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FINDINGS

Higher levels of eHealth literacy among partners were significantly associated with their involvement in getting a second opinion, their awareness of treatment options, and the size of the social network they relied on for additional information and support for treatment decision making for prostate cancer. The factor influencing eHealth literacy was the partners' access to the Internet for personal use, which explained some of the variance in eHealth literacy.
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CONCLUSIONS

This study described how partners' eHealth literacy influenced their involvement in treatment decision making for prostate cancer and highlighted the influencing factors (i.e., partners' access to the Internet for personal use).
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IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

When helping men with prostate cancer and their partners with treatment decision making, nurses need to assess eHealth literacy levels to determine whether nonelectronically based education materials are needed and to provide clear instructions on how to use eHealth resources.

Unmet Supportive Care Needs of Men With Locally Advanced and Metastatic Prostate Cancer on Hormonal Treatment: A Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Men affected by prostate cancer who are undergoing hormone therapy can endure a range of symptoms that can adversely affect quality of life. Little research has been conducted to date, to understand the specific unmet supportive care needs of this patient group within the context of current service delivery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of unmet supportive care needs of men affected by prostate cancer on hormone therapy in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

Mixed methods study recruited 31 men with ≥T3 prostate Cancer or worse and treated by hormone therapy. A small cross-sectional survey (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] C30 and PR25, Self-Management Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Supportive Care Needs Survey) was used to inform the interview schedule. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and framework approach was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Complex unmet supportive care needs that were related to physical, psychological/emotional, intimacy/sexual, practical, health system/informational, existential, and patient/clinician communication needs are experienced. Men articulated that current healthcare delivery is failing to provide a holistic person-centered model of care.

CONCLUSION

This is one of the few studies that have identified the unmet supportive care needs of men receiving hormone therapy for ≥T3 prostate Cancer or worse. The needs are multiple and far-ranging.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Despite national cancer reforms, unmet supportive care needs persist. The findings from this study may be central in the re-design of future services to optimize men's quality of life and satisfaction with care. Clinicians are encouraged to use these finding to help them optimize care delivery and individual quality of life.

The Sexual Adjustment Process of Cancer Patients and Their Partners: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

When confronted with cancer, a prominent challenge for patients and their partners is their changed sexual relationship. An empirically based theoretical model of the sexual adaptation process during cancer might be helpful in guiding the development of adequate interventions for couples who struggle with their sexual relationship. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to synthesize evidence from primary qualitative research studies and to arrive at a detailed description of the process of sexual adjustment during cancer. We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis of a purposeful sample of 16 qualitative papers, using the meta-ethnography approach to synthesis. We found that the subsequent studies used different theoretical approaches to describe the sexual adaptation process. This led to three divergent sexual adaptation processes: (1) the pathway of grief and mourning, depicting sexual changes as a loss; (2) the pathway of restructuring, depicting the adjustment process toward sexual changes as a cognitive process with a strong focus on the social and cultural forces that shape the values and experiences of sexuality; and (3) the pathway of sexual rehabilitation, depicting sexual changes as a bodily dysfunction that needs treatment and specific behavioral strategies. All three pathways have their own opportunities and challenges. A greater awareness of these different pathways could help healthcare providers to better understand the ways a particular couple might cope with changed sexuality, offering them opportunities to discover alternative pathways for sexual adjustment.

Nurses' perceptions of providing psychosexual care for women experiencing gynaecological cancer

PURPOSE

To gain insight into how Western Australian nurses conceptualise the provision of psychosexual care for women undergoing gynaecological cancer treatment and how this aligns with nurses globally.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive design was chosen to facilitate insight into nurses' perspectives of their reality. Seventeen nurses working at a tertiary women's hospital in Western Australia participated in one-on-one interviews and were asked to describe their perceptions and identify factors that facilitate or challenge psychosexual care provision.

RESULTS

Data analysis revealed five themes affecting the provision of psychosexual care: (1) Nurses use strategies to aid the conversation (subthemes: supporting the woman, facilitating engagement); (2) Women have unique psychosexual needs (subthemes: diversity, receptiveness); (3) Nurses are influenced by personal and professional experience and values (subthemes: confidence, values, making assumptions); (4) Systems within the health service affect care (subthemes: being supported by the system, working as a team); and (5) Society influences attitudes around sexuality. Nurses' views differed around whether these factors had a positive or negative impact on the conversation required to provide this care.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors influencing nurses' provision of psychosexual care are multifaceted and differ amongst nurses. Recommended strategies to improve service provision include guidelines and documentation to integrate assessment of psychosexual issues as standard care, encouraging shared responsibility of psychosexual care amongst the multidisciplinary team and implementing education programs focussed on improving nurses' confidence and communication skills.

Integrated Care in Prostate Cancer (ICARE-P): Nonrandomized Controlled Feasibility Study of Online Holistic Needs Assessment, Linking the Patient and the Health Care Team

Background

The potential of technology to aid integration of care delivery systems is being explored in a range of contexts across a variety of conditions in the United Kingdom. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in UK men. With a 10-year survival rate of 84%, there is a need to explore innovative methods of care that are integrated between primary health care providers and specialist teams in order to address long-term consequences of the disease and its treatment as well as to provide continued monitoring for recurrence.

Objective

Our aim was to test the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial to compare a model of prostate cancer continuing and follow-up care integration, underpinned by digital technology, with usual care in terms of clinical and cost-effectiveness, patient-reported outcomes, and experience.

Methods

A first phase of the study has included development of an online adaptive prostate specific Holistic Needs Assessment system (HNA), training for primary care-based nurses, training of an IT peer supporter, and interviews with health care professionals and men with prostate cancer to explore views of their care, experience of technology, and views of the proposed intervention. In Phase 2, men in the intervention arm will complete the HNA at home to help identify and articulate concerns and share them with their health care professionals, in both primary and specialist care. Participants in the control arm will receive usual care. Outcomes including quality of life and well-being, prostate-specific concerns, and patient enablement will be measured 3 times over a 9-month period.

Results

Findings from phase 1 indicated strong support for the intervention among men, including those who had had little experience of digital technology. Men expressed a range of views on ways that the online system might be used within a clinical pathway. Health care professionals gave valuable feedback on how the output of the assessment might be presented to encourage engagement and uptake by clinical teams. Recruitment to the second phase of the study, the feasibility trial, commenced March 2017.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study is the first in the United Kingdom to trial an online holistic needs assessment for men with prostate cancer, with data shared between patients and primary and secondary care providers. This study addresses recommendations in recent policy documents promoting the importance of data sharing and enhanced communication between care providers as a basis for care integration. We anticipate that this model of care will ultimately provide important benefits for both patients and the National Health Service.

Trial Registration

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 31380482; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN31380482 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6s8I42u5N)

Life after prostate cancer diagnosis: protocol for a UK-wide patient-reported outcomes study

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer and its treatment may impact physically, psychologically and socially; affecting the health-related quality of life of men and their partners/spouses. The Life After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (LAPCD) study is a UK-wide patient-reported outcomes study which will generate information to improve the health and well-being of men with prostate cancer.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Postal surveys will be sent to prostate cancer survivors (18-42 months postdiagnosis) in all 4 UK countries (n=∼70 000). Eligible men will be identified and/or verified through cancer registration systems. Men will be surveyed twice, 12 months apart, to explore changes in outcomes over time. Second, separate cohorts will be surveyed once and the design will include evaluation of the acceptability of online survey tools. A comprehensive patient-reported outcome measure has been developed using generic and specific instruments with proven psychometric properties and relevance in national and international studies. The outcome data will be linked with administrative health data (eg, treatment information from hospital data). To ensure detailed understanding of issues of importance, qualitative interviews will be undertaken with a sample of men who complete the survey across the UK (n=∼150) along with a small number of partners/spouses (n=∼30).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has received the following approvals: Newcastle and North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee (15/NE/0036), Health Research Authority Confidentiality Advisory Group (15/CAG/0110), NHS Scotland Public Benefit and Privacy Panel (0516-0364), Office of Research Ethics Northern Ireland (16/NI/0073) and NHS R&D approval from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Using traditional and innovative methods, the results will be made available to men and their partners/spouses, the funders, the NHS, social care, voluntary sector organisations and other researchers.

Physical and emotional health information needs and preferences of long-term prostate cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) will experience physical and psychosocial late effects of treatment. Their interest/preferences for receiving information about addressing common sequelae is not well understood. We examined long-term PC survivors' level of interest, whether this differed based upon symptomatology, and their preferred coping information source.

METHODS

N=615 PC survivors (3-8 years post-diagnosis) completed a survey on physical and psychological health and their information interests and preferences related to late effects of cancer treatment.

RESULTS

Over half of PC survivors reported interest in information about late effects of treatment or sexual health, while approximately a quarter were interested in emotional health information. Survivors preferred to receive information about late effects of treatment from their oncologists, sexual health information from their primary care providers (PCP), oncologist, or written/online resources, and emotional health information from their PCP. Information needs were more commonly reported among men with poorer domain-specific health functioning.

CONCLUSION

Long-term PC survivors report significant interest in receiving information about their physical, sexual, and emotional health.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Medical providers caring for these men should inquire about survivors' information needs and future intervention efforts should consider who delivers the information, dependent upon the type of dysfunction reported.

'It gets into your head as well as your body': The experiences of patients with cancer during oncology treatment with curative intent

This study explored the psychosocial experiences of patients with cancer during the course of oncology treatment with curative intent. Our aim was to gather in-depth insights into the shared elements of oncology treatment across a range of cancer types. A total of 10 individuals undergoing oncology treatment participated in semi-structured interviews. Six themes were identified using interpretative phenomenological analysis: diminished well-being, perceived role changes in intimate relationships, heightened awareness of limited time, a new order of priorities, taking things as they come and development of trust in health professionals. These themes indicate relevant areas of patients' well-being, which might be enhanced through psychosocial support services.

Chronic Disease and Depression Among Hispanic Americans

Hispanic Americans are the fastest growing minority group in the United States. They face a distinct set of health challenges, resulting in persistent health disparities. Chronic disease self-management programs hold promise in addressing individual-level, behavioral risks factors, such as dietary habits and physical activity patterns. In light of the unique barriers Hispanic men face, including low participation in evidence-based health intervention research, this article argues for a gendered perspective when approaching Hispanic men’s physical and mental health needs. Through the analysis of data collected from male-only focus groups ( N = 3, n = 15) with Hispanic Americans in west central Florida, this study identified that masculine identity is influenced by chronic disease and comorbid depression status. Diagnosis with a chronic disease and/or depression is accompanied by lifestyle adaptations, activity restrictions, and changes in income and health care demands that can undermine traditional notions of Hispanic masculinity. Consequently, masculine identity is associated with self-management strategies in complex ways. Public health interventions aimed at addressing comorbid chronic disease and depression among Hispanic men must take into consideration the role of gender identity and relevant conceptualizations of masculinity in order to better serve this underserved and understudied population.

Sexuality, sexual health and older people: A systematic review of research on the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals

OBJECTIVES

Sexuality remains important to older people and should be recognised as an important part of their overall care. However, this appears to be poorly understood and addressed by many healthcare professionals. This systematic review reports on knowledge and attitudes of health professionals towards sexuality and sexual health of older people, including factors that impact knowledge and perceptions.

REVIEW METHODS AND DATA SOURCES

The review, conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute methods, included 23 studies of varied methodology published between January 2004 and January 2015.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that healthcare professionals often consider older people's sexuality as outside their scope of practice and there is lack of knowledge and confidence in this area. Cultural norms and taboos, length of time spent working with older people, familiarity with the older person, previous training and degree of exposure to people who are not heterosexual were all identified as factors that impact knowledge and attitude.

CONCLUSIONS

Better role modelling and education are needed to improve knowledge and attitudes toward later life sexuality.

Prostate cancer survivorship: a nurse-led service model

A significant proportion of men suffer side effects and are acknowledged to have unmet physical, functional and psychological needs after prostate cancer treatment. A nurse-led survivorship programme was implemented at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for men with prostate cancer. This article describes implementation of the model and presents the results of an early evaluation to assess its impact. In the first 6 months 169 men (90% of those invited) engaged in the survivorship programme. Holistic needs assessments in particular were found to be invaluable for addressing individual men's needs and signposting them to relevant services. Collaboration between existing organisations and initiatives across primary and secondary care resulted in the establishment of a comprehensive network of services available to men on the programme. The nurse-led Newcastle survivorship model has been able to deliver individualised survivorship care with a high satisfaction rating within routine NHS practice.