The caring experience and supportive care needs of male partners for women with gynaecologic cancer: A qualitative literature review

Objective To systematically review male partners’ caring experience and supportive care needs when caring for women with gynaecologic cancer. Methods The PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct this systematic review. We performed a comprehensive literature search in nine databases and qualitative studies published in English or Chinese from inception to January 2020. The included papers were appraised, using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool for qualitative research. An inductive thematic analysis method was adopted to synthesise major findings to construct core concepts and themes. Results Eight studies were included in this review, and four overarching themes emerged the following: the negative experience of disease, the need for supportive care to cope, adapting to a new life and post‐traumatic growth. Conclusions This study shows that male partners had both negative and positive experiences in the caring process, and they could adjust themselves to some extent. Their perceived supportive care needs were often neglected. Relevance to clinical practice Male partners of women with gynaecologic cancer are an under‐recognised group. The couple‐oriented or family‐oriented supportive care programmes should be implemented to meet the supportive care needs of male partners to enhance their health and well‐being.