The Experiences and Perspectives of Persons with Prostate Cancer and Their Partners: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Using Meta-Ethnography

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Oliver

Prostate cancer affects one in nine men, making understanding patients’ and partners’ experiences essential for designing effective treatments. This qualitative evidence synthesis reports views of persons with prostate cancer and their partners using the eMERGe guideline. Six databases were searched and the CASP tool supported quality appraisal. Of 1372 papers, 36 met inclusion criteria, revealing themes covering quality of life, relationships, the treatment journey, and survivorship/aftercare.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

1. Introduction

Prostate cancer burden and impacts

Treatment effects and support needs

2. Physical and cognitive functions (context)

healthcare Review The Experiences and Perspectives of Persons with Prostate Cancer and Their Partners: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Using Meta-Ethnography Seidu Mumuni 1, Claire O’Donnell 1 and Owen Doody 1,2, * Citation: Mumuni, S.; O’Donnell, C.; Doody, O. The Experiences and Perspectives of Persons with Prostate Cancer and Their Partners: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Using Meta-Ethnography. Healthcare 2024, 12, 1490. [https://doi.org/10.3390/](https://doi.org/10.3390/)[ ](https://doi.org/10.3390/)healthcare12151490 Academic Editors: Jose GraneroMolina and Andrea Tittarelli Received: 24 April 2024 Revised: 18 July 2024 Accepted: 23 July 2024 Published: 27 July 2024 Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://](https://)[ ](https://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by/](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[ ](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[4.0/](4.0/)) . 1 Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; [seidu.mumuni@ul.ie](seidu.mumuni@ul.ie) (S.M.); [claire.odonnell@ul.ie](claire.odonnell@ul.ie) (C.O.) 2 Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland * Correspondence: [owen.doody@ul.ie](owen.doody@ul.ie); Tel.: +353-61213367 Abstract: Prostate cancer affects one in nine men, so understanding patients’ and their partners experiences is crucial for developing effective treatments. The purpose of this review was to synthesis and report the experiences and views of persons with prostate cancer and their partners. Methods: A qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) was conducted following the eMERGe reporting guideline. Six databases were searched for the relevant literature, and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tool was used for quality appraisal. Results: A total of 1372 papers were identified, and 36 met the inclusion criteria. Four themes emerged: quality of life, relationships and dynamics, treatment journey and survivorship and aftercare. Conclusions: Prostate cancer’s impact on patients and partners is significant, requiring comprehensive support, holistic care, tailored assistance, and research into therapies to minimize adverse effects and address emotional distress and relationshipstrain. Prostate cancer treatment causes physical changes, triggering feelings of loss and grief, and affects coping mechanisms. Drawing on emotional support and education is vital for boosting confidence and resilience, as many patients and partners face fears of recurrence and lifestyle changes, highlighting the need for tailored information and presurgery support. Keywords: prostate cancer; partners; experiences; qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) 1. Introduction Prostate cancer is the second most frequently occurring malignancy in men globally, responsible for around 7% of all cancer-related fatalities in men [1,2] . One in nine men will have a prostate cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives [3], and both the person with prostate cancer and their partners may be significantly impacted by a prostate cancer diagnosis [4] . The treatment of prostate cancer frequently entails invasive actions such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, which may have adverse effects that include erectile dysfunction and urine incontinence [5,6] . The experiences of prostate cancer patients and their partners highlight that both patients’ and their partners’ psychological health may be significantly impacted by receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis [7] . Moreover, the quality of life for both prostate cancer patients and their partners might be impacted by their shared experiences [8] . The impact of various therapeutic methods such as regular exercise and counselling (diet, spiritual, psychological, etc.) on the physical and mental health of prostate cancer p

FAQs

What is the purpose of the qualitative evidence synthesis?

To synthesize and report the experiences and views of persons with prostate cancer and their partners.

How were studies identified and assessed in this review?

Six databases were searched for relevant literature, and the CASP tool was used for quality appraisal under the eMERGe reporting guideline.

What themes emerged from the included studies?

Four themes emerged: quality of life, relationships and dynamics, treatment journey and survivorship, and aftercare.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Oliver