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Pediatric Oncology Nurses' Attitudes Related to Discussing Fertility Preservation With Pediatric Cancer Patients and Their Families

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, Tampa, Florida, susan.vadaparampil{at}moffitt.org

Heather Clayton, MPH

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, Tampa, Florida

Gwendolyn P. Quinn, PhD

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, Tampa, Florida

Lindsey M. King, BA

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, Tampa, Florida

Michael Nieder, MD

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, Tampa, Florida

Crystal Wilson

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, Tampa, Florida

This study explores nurses' attitudes toward the discussion of fertility preservation (FP) with pediatric cancer patients and their families. A cross-sectional survey was administered to attendees of a pediatric oncology conference. Of the 115 nurses who responded and comprised the study sample, most reported discussing risks of infertility or FP 50% of the time. The 3 attitudinal factors most commonly rated by nurses to influence discussion of FP are the potential of upsetting patients' families, that boys younger than 18 years should not be given erotic materials during semen collection, and difficulty locating FP facilities. The 3 patient factors most likely to encourage the discussion of FP are the patient being recently married or engaged, the patient asking about FP, and availability of patient education materials. While the results indicate that nurses do not regularly discuss FP with their patients, nurses perceive such discussion as being within their scope of practice. Therefore, with appropriate intervention, nurses may play a key role in facilitating discussions regarding FP with patients and families.

Key Words: Key words: fertility preservation • nurses • pediatric cancer patients • survey • attitudes

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