Navigating Uncharted Waters: A Mixed Studies Systematic Review of Elective Female Fertility Preservation for Women

AimThis study aimed to review studies exploring the experiences and perceptions of healthcare students and providers regarding their personal choices for elective female fertility preservation and their recommendations of the same to patients.Design/MethodsEmploying Pluye and Hong's convergent qualitative synthesis approach, a mixed-studies review was conducted. The appraisal of studies was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and data analysis utilised Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis approach.Data SourcesSix electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched from their inception till November 2023.ResultsAbout 24 studies were reviewed, uncovering four major themes: varied personal perspectives, knowledge gaps and role ambiguities, perceived temporal and financial constraints and apprehensions related to fear and stigma.Conclusion/ImplicationThis review underscored the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and students in their personal pursuit of elective fertility preservation. Addressing these challenges demands the implementation of fertility navigators, culturally and religiously sensitive public health campaigns and staff training. Moreover, standardised guidelines, transparent cost and process reporting, evidence-based education, counselling on risks and success rates and governmental support in the form of subsidies can mitigate barriers, enhance cost-effectiveness and promote equitable access to care. Collaboration among stakeholders is imperative to ensure equitable access and maintain quality care in elective female fertility preservation.Reporting MethodThis mixed studies review followed the reporting guidelines in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.Patient or Public ContributionNo Patient or Public Contribution. Trial Registration: This review has been registered on the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42023395406)Patient or Public ContributionNo Patient or Public Contribution. Trial Registration: This review has been registered on the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42023395406)