Patients' and partners' experiences with prostate cancer and advanced practice nurse counselling

Patients with prostate cancer (PCa) often experience physical and psychological challenges after diagnosis and therapeutic side effects after radical prostatectomy. To meet the needs of these patients and their partners, an advanced practice nurse (APN) support programme was initiated at a Swiss university hospital. The APN served as a constant contact person and offered psycho-oncological counselling from the first day after radical prostatectomy to follow-up care in the outpatient clinic, every third month over the first year and twice in the second year. Counselling was provided in-person and through the phone. It focused on coping skills regarding cancer-related distress, hospital stay, treatment and therapeutic side effects, post-discharge life, and physical activity. This study aimed to explore the experiences of patients and partners with the disease, including diagnosis, radical prostatectomy, and follow-up care. Additionally, their experience with the APN support programme was evaluated. A qualitative content analysis, according to Mayring, was used. Interviews were conducted with 10 patients and 8 partners who participated in the APN counselling programme. Interviews were performed individually in-person or by telephone. Patients reported a variety of experiences with respect to the diagnostic process and the final decision for radical prostatectomy. Patients and spouses also described some unmet information needs during the PCa care continuum. They wished they received more information about PSA testing, treatment options, and management of surgically induced side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. While most couples mastered the situation together, some patients did not involve their spouses. During the hospital stay, patients felt well cared for; the spouses agreed. Urinary incontinence was the primary challenge after discharge. Later, erectile dysfunction was a challenge for most participants. While counselling was experienced differently, patients and spouses valued the trustworthy APN as a constant contact person. In clinical practice, needs-tailored information should be provided by all involved healthcare professionals. In addition, a support programme for patients and partners that includes an APN as a constant contact person over the PCa continuum is recommended.