Integrative Review of Reproductive Decision Making of Women Who Are BRCA Positive

Abstract

Objective: To synthesize research findings about reproductive decision making among women who are BRCA positive.

Data sources: PubMed and CINAHL.

Study selection: Articles published in English between 2000 and June 28, 2020, about the reproductive decision making of women with a confirmed BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

Data extraction: We extracted data about participants, study design, analysis, follow-up, and results. We used the modified Downs and Black checklist and Kennelly's qualitative data analysis to rate studies for quality and applicability by using.

Data synthesis: We included five of 257 screened articles in our synthesis. The total sample size of the five studies was 1,468 women. The most prevalent factors related to reproductive decision making were the impending decisions regarding childbearing and family choices, including decisions about biological children, preventive surgery, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and prenatal diagnosis to prevent further transmission of a BRCA mutation, and family planning.

Conclusion: A lack of knowledge exists about the reproductive decision-making processes of women who are BRCA positive. A better understanding of this process would provide nurses and other clinicians with the knowledge needed to support these women through their reproductive life choices.

Keywords: BRCA; breast and ovarian cancer; decision making; family planning.