Health Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2010 May;19(3):329-39. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2008.01047.x. Epub 2009 Oct 15.
Prostate cancer demonstrates particular characteristics and potential stresses for both patient and partner, yet its consequences for the couple are often inadequately addressed in the clinical setting. One-to-one interviews have shown areas of partner need but do not address the dynamic of the couple which itself holds implications for clinical practice. The participation of nine out of a possible 15 women in interviews with men taking part in a study of information needs suggested the extent of involvement by partners in prostate cancer. Secondary analysis of the verbal interaction and thematic content of the interviews authenticated the representation by members of the couple of the struggle against cancer as a shared experience. The women were shown to exercise authority, accepted by men in relation to illness-related issues and assumed responsibility for the management of information, care and the continuation of normal day-to-day life. Findings suggest a model of partner activity in prostate cancer conceptualized as 'maintaining control over illness'. In the clinical setting, attention to the interaction between partners may facilitate appropriate communication strategies by health professionals, leading to more effective information exchange. Encouragement of the attendance and involvement of partners in the planning of care would support their contribution.
前列腺癌对患者和其伴侣都具有特殊的特征和潜在的压力，但在临床环境中，其对伴侣的影响往往没有得到充分解决。一对一的访谈已经显示出了伴侣的需求领域，但并没有涉及到夫妻关系的动态，而夫妻关系本身对临床实践具有重要意义。在一项关于信息需求的研究中，对 15 名男性参与者的妻子进行了访谈，其中 9 名女性参与了访谈，这表明了伴侣在前列腺癌中的参与程度。对访谈的口头互动和主题内容的二次分析验证了夫妻双方共同对抗癌症的经历。研究结果表明，女性在与疾病相关的问题上行使了权威，得到了男性的认可，并承担了信息管理、护理和日常生活正常化的责任。研究结果表明，在前列腺癌中，伴侣的活动可以被概念化为“控制疾病”。在临床环境中，关注伴侣之间的相互作用可以促进卫生专业人员采取适当的沟通策略，从而实现更有效的信息交流。鼓励伴侣参与护理计划的制定将支持他们的贡献。
