title: Fertility Preservation Care for Children and Adolescents with Cancer: An Inquiry to Quantify Professionals' Barriers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is a growing interest in fertility preservation as emerging research is highlighting the prevalence of infertility among young cancer survivors and its negative impact on quality of life. Previous qualitative research has identified barriers of fertility preservation care among professionals. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of these barriers among pediatric and adolescent oncology healthcare professionals and evaluate factors that influence them.
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on previously identified barriers and experts' input, a questionnaire was developed and sent to 88 professionals drawn from the multidisciplinary pediatric and adolescent oncology team of a large Principal Treatment Centre. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate which factors influence professional adherence to fertility preservation care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 48 (55%) professionals responded and were included in the analysis. All pediatric and adolescent oncology healthcare professionals reported at least one barrier to fertility preservation care. Even though some interdisciplinary differences were observed, the most frequently endorsed barriers were focusing on patients' characteristics (age, health status, urgency of cancer treatment, and lack of interest in fertility issues). The least frequently endorsed barriers were related to organizational aspects (availability of fertility specialists, time constrains, and ability to raise fertility issues). Nurses and allied healthcare professionals endorsed knowledge or policy gaps as barriers to a greater degree than medical doctors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results suggest that educational support provision, especially for nurses and allied healthcare professionals, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations could help overcome observed barriers and facilitate fertility discussions with pediatric and young cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: 1 Newcastle Fertility Centre, International Centre for Life, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom .|2 Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life, Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom .
authors.forename: Nikoletta
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Panagiotopoulou
authors.affiliation: 3 Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University , Sir James Spence Institute of Child Health, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom .|4 Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, The Great North Children's Hospital, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust , Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom .
authors.forename: Frederik W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: van Delft
authors.affiliation: 4 Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, The Great North Children's Hospital, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust , Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom .
authors.forename: Juliet P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Hale
authors.affiliation: 1 Newcastle Fertility Centre, International Centre for Life, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom .
authors.forename: Jane A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D003144:Communication Barriers; D005260:Female; D059247:Fertility Preservation / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: barriers; fertility preservation; oncology healthcare professionals; survey; young cancer survivors