Background: Menopausal symptoms are common after cancer treatment. Women who have experienced cancer depend on healthcare professionals (HCPs) for symptom management and support. Managing these symptoms may be challenging for some HCPs, therefore understanding their perspectives in this aspect of care is crucial for improving experiences for both women and their HCPs.
Methods: A qualitative online one-on-one interview study was conducted among HCPs with diverse specialties, recruited through various HCPs organizations. The interview transcripts were imported to Nvivo V. 12 for thematic analysis based on the principles outlined by Braun and Clark.
Results: Twenty HCPs aged; 37-68 years were interviewed. The sample comprised mostly females (n=17), and primary care physicians (n=6) of whom half were menopause after cancer specialist. Participant’s clinical experience ranged from 3-35 years and with 1-35 years of experience in managing menopause women who have experienced cancer. Six themes were identified: (1) Perception about severity of menopause in women who have experienced cancer,(2) comprehensive of care,(3) shared decision-making between HCPs,(4) strategies for symptom management,(5) HCP’s views on management outcome, and (6) limitations to provision of care.
Conclusion: HCPs understood the impact of menopausal symptoms on women who have experienced cancer. Participants reported providing patient-centered care, utilising different management strategies, and practising shared-decision making. However, extra confidence in prescribing menopausal hormone therapy were identified as area for improvement in clinical practice.