title: The impact of qualitative research on gynaecologic oncology guidelines.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Inherent in the care provided to patients with cancer is an important psychosocial element which has been explored scientifically through qualitative research. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the availability of qualitative research in gynaecologic oncology and to measure its integration in gynaecologic oncology practice guidelines.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched Medline, CINHAL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify the availability of qualitative research conducted in the past 20 years on the three most prevalent gynaecologic cancers: endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer. National and international practice guidelines on management of gynaecologic cancers were selected using the National Guideline Clearinghouse website, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada website, and the Standards and Guidelines Evidence directory of cancer guidelines. Bibliometric analysis was used to determine the frequency of qualitative references cited in these guidelines.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred thirteen qualitative research papers on gynaecologic cancers were identified focusing on psychological impacts, social dynamics, and doctor-patient interactions during cancer treatment and recovery. Among the 15 national and international clinical practice guidelines identified on management of gynaecologic cancer, there were a total of 2272 references, and of these only three references citing qualitative research were identified (0.1%) in only one of the 15 practice guidelines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although qualitative research is being carried out in gynaecologic oncology, its integration into clinical practice guidelines is essentially absent. Efforts to narrow the gap between qualitative research and clinical practice are essential in ensuring a comprehensive approach to the treatment of patients with gynaecologic cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal QC; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal QC.
authors.forename: Jeffrey Andrew
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: How
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal QC; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal QC.
authors.forename: Jeremie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Abitbol
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal QC; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal QC.
authors.forename: Susie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal QC; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal QC.
authors.forename: Walter Henri
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Gotlieb
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal QC.
authors.forename: Haim Arie
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Abenhaim
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000592:standards*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: cervical cancer; clinical practice guideline; endometrial cancer; ovarian cancer; qualitative research