Other Titles
A Narrative Analysis of the Partner of a Patient Who Has Undergone a Prostatectomy [Title Slide]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer among men and the second leading cause of death. Despite this statistic, PCa also has a high survival rate when caught early. A radical prostatectomy (RP) is one of several treatment options and has two main adverse effects: erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Based on these adverse effects, PCa is perceived as a “couple’s disease.” Therefore, this study aimed to understand the storied narratives of a partner and their relationship with their loved one who has undergone an RP. With a PCa diagnosis and surgical treatment, partners may experience higher levels of distress and a negative impact on their quality of life and well-being. This may impact the relationship between the patient and their partner. This qualitative interpretive study used narrative analysis to understand how participants construct stories and narratives from their experiences. This approach provides insight into the partners’ experiences, relationship changes post-RP, and barriers. Eleven participants were recruited using the snowball technique, with social media as the primary recruitment method. Semi-structured interviews of partners of loved ones who had undergone an RP for PCa treatment were conducted. Josselson and Hammack’s analysis approach was used to analyze this study. Two overarching themes were the partners' experience with the cancer diagnosis and the partners' experience with RP treatment. Seven main themes emerged as areas of significance: (1) changing the relationship; (2) intimacy (including sexual and emotional intimacy); (3) desire for support; (4) managing disruption; (5) loss of control; (6) elevating partner’s needs; and (7) protecting affected partner. Although many of the participants remarked that their relationships did not change, often their storied narratives revealed changes in areas of their relationship. This study suggests that the post-RP relationship between the partner and the patient improved or stayed the same. However, the sexual intimacy was negatively impacted while the emotional intimacy was deepened. Partners expressed a lack of education about the diagnosis, treatment, and how this will affect them as partners. These findings highlight the need for education, resources, and support for the partner.
Notes
References:
1. American Cancer Society. (2024a). Prostate cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/
2. American Cancer Society. (2024b). Surgery for prostate cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/treating/surgery
3. Hammond, A. & Montgomery, K. (2018). Systematic review and thematic synthesis of quality of life in partners of patients with prostate cancer. Urologic Nursing, 38(4), 194-206. https://doi.org/10.7257/1053-816x.2018.38.4.194
4. Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., Roberts, D., Hagler, D., & Reinisch, C. (2020). Lewis’s medical-surgical nursing: Assessment and management of clinical problems. (11th ed). Elsevier.
5. Hoffman, K. (2019, July 23). Prostate cancer: “A couple’s disease.” Inspire. https://corp.inspire.com/blog/prostate-cancer-couples/
6. Lehto, U. S., Aromaa, A., & Tammela, T. L. (2018). Experiences and psychological distress of spouses of prostate cancer patients at time of diagnosis and primary treatment. European Journal of Cancer Care, 27(1), e12729. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.12729
7. Mumuni, S., O’Donnell, C., & Doody, O. (2024). The Experiences and Perspectives of Persons with Prostate Cancer and Their Partners: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Using Meta-Ethnography. Healthcare, 12(15), 1490. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12151490
Sigma Membership
Alpha Delta
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Implementation Science, Prostate Cancer, Prostatectomy
Recommended Citation
Ford, Meredith Anne and Patel, Darpan, "Storied Narratives of Partners of Those Who Underwent a Prostatectomy" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 172.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/172
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Storied Narratives of Partners of Those Who Underwent a Prostatectomy
Seattle, Washington, USA
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer among men and the second leading cause of death. Despite this statistic, PCa also has a high survival rate when caught early. A radical prostatectomy (RP) is one of several treatment options and has two main adverse effects: erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Based on these adverse effects, PCa is perceived as a “couple’s disease.” Therefore, this study aimed to understand the storied narratives of a partner and their relationship with their loved one who has undergone an RP. With a PCa diagnosis and surgical treatment, partners may experience higher levels of distress and a negative impact on their quality of life and well-being. This may impact the relationship between the patient and their partner. This qualitative interpretive study used narrative analysis to understand how participants construct stories and narratives from their experiences. This approach provides insight into the partners’ experiences, relationship changes post-RP, and barriers. Eleven participants were recruited using the snowball technique, with social media as the primary recruitment method. Semi-structured interviews of partners of loved ones who had undergone an RP for PCa treatment were conducted. Josselson and Hammack’s analysis approach was used to analyze this study. Two overarching themes were the partners' experience with the cancer diagnosis and the partners' experience with RP treatment. Seven main themes emerged as areas of significance: (1) changing the relationship; (2) intimacy (including sexual and emotional intimacy); (3) desire for support; (4) managing disruption; (5) loss of control; (6) elevating partner’s needs; and (7) protecting affected partner. Although many of the participants remarked that their relationships did not change, often their storied narratives revealed changes in areas of their relationship. This study suggests that the post-RP relationship between the partner and the patient improved or stayed the same. However, the sexual intimacy was negatively impacted while the emotional intimacy was deepened. Partners expressed a lack of education about the diagnosis, treatment, and how this will affect them as partners. These findings highlight the need for education, resources, and support for the partner.
Description
In this presentation, aligned with the conference theme, participants will explore how the experiences of partners of those who have undergone an RP can inform nursing practice. The study sheds light on partners' emotional and relational challenges, emphasizing the need for tailored support and education. Attendees will learn how disseminating these findings can improve global nursing care and enhance support for patients and their loved ones.