Informing the development of a nurse-led survivorship intervention for men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy: A qualitative exploratory study.

PURPOSE: To inform the development of a nurse-led survivorship intervention for men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

METHODS

Qualitative exploratory study using semi-structured interviews with men undergoing ADT and specialist nurses. Recruitment occurred purposively via Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia networks. Interview recordings were transcribed and thematically analysed. Reporting adheres to COREQ guidelines.

FINDINGS: Ten men and ten nurses were interviewed. Thematic analysis of interviews identified four key themes related to the importance of tailored information provision; the value of timely, personalised and accessible support from health professionals; men's preparedness for managing the impact of ADT; program preferences for a survivorship program for men on ADT. Men felt inadequately prepared for the side-effects of ADT and called for clearer, tailored information and personalised support extending beyond initiation of treatment. Nurses acknowledged that ADT side-effects are debilitating and challenging to manage and called for a guided education and support program targeted to individual needs with evidence-based resources, tools and checklists.

CONCLUSIONS

ADT has a debilitating impact on physical and psychological health, and quality of life. Nurse-led survivorship interventions are needed that are flexible and tailorable to individual needs that men themselves express, incorporating nurses' delivery preferences in order to maximise effectiveness. Men prescribed ADT should be provided with a tailored education and support program and connected to a trained Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse for ongoing, personalised support.