Romantic partner involvement during oncology consultations: A narrative review of qualitative and quantitative studies.

Abstract

To review the currently available research into romantic partner involvement during oncology consultations. Studies were identified via database searches plus hand-searching. A narrative review was performed using the principles of Thematic, and Framework syntheses. The search strategy was performed according to the principles of PRISMA. From 631 results, 18 studies were included. The findings indicate that romantic partners are most valued by patients when they provide emotional, practical, and informational support. It is also indicated that psychosocial and sexual concerns are rarely discussed. Couples' self-reported satisfaction with consultations appear related to the extent of romantic partner involvement, the roles that they enacted, and the extent to which psychosocial and sexual concerns were addressed. This review indicates that romantic partner involvement during clinical consultations enhances the couple's experience. However, there are methodological limitations to this body of research, which are discussed in this review. Research to date has yet to offer an exploration of the social practices and conversational actions relating to romantic partner involvement during triadic oncology consultations. Future studies that draw upon recordings of these consultations, using methods capable of analysing situated social practices can address this gap.