The supportive care needs of men with prostate cancer - insights for nurses. Kevin’ O’Shaughnessy School of Nursing and Midwifery

Introduction Men with prostate cancer are living longer But often with significant physical and emotional issues

Introduction Little known about: Psychological Emotional Spiritual burden As disease progresses And the impact on the partner

Introduction Key insights into the care nurses provide prostate cancer survivors were illuminated by this study

Method Focus Groups (n=4) International web based survey of prostate cancer survivors and their partners (n=233) Scoping review of the literature (114 papers) Couple Interviews (n=3)

Method – qualitative Focus groups and couple interviews were conducted in both South Australia and Western Australia

Method - quantitative A world wide survey investigating the experiences and needs of prostate cancer survivors and their partners was crafted

Thesis My final thesis is submitted

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What we learned… This woman is a breast cancer survivor!

What we learned… Male identity can be changed following treatment

What we learned… I am.. ‘ED is devastating for a man, even when they are told it's normal/temporary/treatment is available. The lack of physical intimacy leads to a lack of emotional intimacy.’

What we learned… Partners can provide nurses insights into survivors lives. Partners are the most valued resource these men have.

What we learned… “Don’t put me in the background!”

What we learned… Determining whether men face a terminal illness or a chronic disease is an important consideration for nurses

What we learned… Survivors take stock of their spiritual and emotional resources

What we learned… Specialist prostate cancer nurses are valued by both men and partners

Recommendations for practice Specialist nurses should have an important role in providing long term care

Recommendations for practice. Men likely to have increased supportive care needs can be identified by specialist nurses

Recommendations for practice Support groups were highly regarded by both men and partners

Recommendations for practice Nurses do not have to be experts to recognise unmet needs

Thankyou for your time! Any questions?