OBJECTIVES
This systematic scoping review examined the experiences, perspectives and opinions of Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) who provided care to women affected by pregnancy associated cancer (PAC). Three specific research questions were developed, (1) What are the experiences, perspectives and opinions of HCPs providing PAC care? (2) Who are the HCP involved in PAC care? (2a) How do HCPs work together within the interprofessional team? (3) What professional resources or education programs exist for HCPs working with women affected by PAC?
METHODS
The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A comprehensive search was conducted using four databases, Google Scholar and data mining. The eligibility criteria required sources that reported on HCPs providing PAC care from peer reviewed or grey literature sources, from 2010 onwards and published in English language. Title and abstracts were reviewed by two authors. Full text papers were reviewed by two authors with conflicts resolved by a third author. Data extractions and analysis followed the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis.
RESULTS
2767 sources were screened by title and abstract, 40 sources reviewed in full, and 6 sources met the inclusion criteria. Published insights were reported by medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals. Three key themes were identified (1) ethical care which discussed the balance of maternal fetal beneficence; (2) collaborative care within a multidisciplinary team; and (3) professional development which is informed and evidence-based.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:
The incidence of PACs are increasing globally and current research is insufficient to provide high level evidence to inform holistic care provision. There are significant opportunities to explore future research which addresses the shortcomings in PAC service provision by HCPs. Collaborative evidence-based care by HCPs across maternity and oncology care teams will support women’s complex holistic care needs.