Barriers to and Facilitators of Shared Decision-Making Implementation in Fertility Preservation for Patients With Cancer: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: To identify the barriers and facilitators in the implementation of fertility preservation (FP) shared decision-making (SDM) in oncology care.

Design: Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods: Qualitative interviews with 16 female patients with cancer and seven healthcare providers were conducted between July 2022 and April 2024. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis, guided by the implementation science framework.

Results: We identified 22 categories comprising 38 codes as barriers to SDM implementation and 17 categories comprising 26 codes as facilitators. Findings revealed that, at the innovation level, accessibility, feasibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and quality improvement efforts were decisive in the implementation of FP SDM. At the individual level, healthcare providers' awareness and attitudes towards FP and SDM, as well as patients' knowledge, attitudes, and capabilities in FP SDM, were crucial factors in the implementation of FP SDM. In social, economic, and organizational contexts, support from significant others, social awareness about FP, multidisciplinary care, financial assistance, and educational resources were determinants in implementing FP SDM.

Conclusion: Implementing FP SDM among female patients with cancer necessitates a strategic approach that considers barriers and facilitators. Educating and promoting FP SDM among the public and healthcare providers, combined with incentivizing policies, can enhance individual knowledge and awareness while achieving systemic improvements, facilitating its successful implementation.

Clinical relevance: This study provides insights into barriers and facilitators and proposes strategic approaches to enhancing FP SDM implementation, contributing to improved quality of life for cancer survivors and advancements in clinical practice.