Sharing decisions on reproductive goals: A mixed-methods study of the views of women who have cystic fibrosis

Denitza Williams*, Oluwaseun B. Esan, Daniela K. Schlüter, David Taylor-Robinson, Shantini Paranjothy, Jamie Duckers, Natalie Goodchild, Rhiannon Phillips

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: There are complex medical, psychological, social and economic aspects to becoming a parent with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). A shared decision-making (SDM) approach could help women with CF make informed decisions about their reproductive goals that are sensitive to their individual values and preferences. This study investigated capability, opportunity, and motivation to participate in SDM from the perspective of women with CF. Methods: Mixed-methods design. An international online survey was completed by 182 women with CF, to investigate participation in SDM in relation to reproductive goals, and measures of capability (information needs), opportunity (social environment) and motivation (SDM attitudes and self-efficacy) to engage in SDM. Twenty-one women were interviewed using a visual timelines method to explore their SDM experiences and preferences. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results: Women with higher decision self-efficacy reported better experiences of SDM relating to their reproductive goals. Decision self-efficacy was positively associated with social support, age, and level of education, highlighting inequalities. Interviews indicated that women were highly motivated to engage in SDM, but their capability was compromised by lack of information, perception of insufficient opportunities for focused discussions about SDM. Conclusions: Women with CF are keen to engage in SDM about reproductive health, but currently lack sufficient information and support to do so. Interventions at patient, clinician and system levels are needed to support capability, opportunity and motivation to engage equitably in SDM in relation to their reproductive goals.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)207-216
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Cystic Fibrosis
Volume22
Issue number2
Early online date28 Feb 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Feb 2023

Keywords

  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Mixed-method
  • Person-centred care
  • Pre-conception
  • Reproductive goals
  • Shared decision-making

Cite this