Influence of Negative Emotional Expressions on the Outcomes of Shared Decision Making During Oncofertility Consultations in Japan.

Tomoe Koizumi,Kazuko Nara,Kouhei Sugimoto,Yoshiharu Morimoto,Nao Suzuki,Tomoko Hashimoto,Satoru Takamizawa

doi:10.1089/jayao.2017.0108

Abstract

This report examines how negative emotional expressions (NEE) influence the consequences of shared decision making (SDM) in oncofertility treatment among 32 young female cancer patients and 19 family members. Using a cross-sectional observational study, results showed that NEE influence the outcome consequences of SDM related to patients' decisions about desired treatment(s) and that the absence of negative emotional reactions to information from doctors was related to willingness to receive the desired treatment. This suggests that healthcare providers need to be sensitive to NEE of patients and their families, and highlights the need for psychological counseling before oncofertility consultation.

Highlights

Many young adult female cancer patients have various fertility concerns before cancer treatment, including fertility preservation (FP),[1] chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea, premenstrual ovarian insufficiency, and menopause symptoms during/after cancer treatment.[2]
In Japan, certified oncofertility psychologists with specialized skills were approved in 2016.6 These professionals support the fertility concerns of female cancer patients
According to behavioral observations during obstetrics and gynecologist–patient communications, the results of this study showed that the negative emotional expressions (NEE) of patients and attending families during consultation were related to the consequences of shared decision making (SDM)

Summary

Introduction

Many young adult female cancer patients have various fertility concerns before cancer treatment, including fertility preservation (FP),[1] chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea, premenstrual ovarian insufficiency, and menopause symptoms during/after cancer treatment.[2]. Patients’ decision making on FP and/or fertility treatment is influenced by medical, social, and psychological dynamics. Cancer diagnosis might lead to severe shock and a sense of hopelessness, major depression[11] and anxiety disorders, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[12] Depressive and/or PTSD symptoms may cause some patients to decline treatment even when it is recommended by doctors.[13] Decisional conflict increases due to unmet information needs[2] and can result from bad patient–doctor communication and little support during decision making.[10]

Methods

Results

Conclusion