Study Identification & Selection

Given the relative lack of published research related to fertility preservation prior to 1999, studies published between January, 1999 and May, 2014 were eligible and identified by searching electronic databases, reviewing reference lists, and consulting investigators in the field. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], PsychInfo) were searched using combinations of the following key terms and synonyms in English language publications: “fertility” (infertility, fertility preservation, cryopreservation, oncofertility) AND “cancer” (oncology, oncologic, neoplasm, tumor, cancer survivor) AND “pediatric” (child, youth, adolescent, teen, childhood) AND “parent”(parental) AND “information” (communication, informational needs, attitudes, beliefs, decision making).

Studies were screened based on title and abstract. Those relevant to adolescent, parent or provider perspectives, experiences and preferences about fertility preservation were selected for full-text review. Findings from a single study in multiple publications were linked and assessed together. See Table 1 for inclusion criteria. If the articles did not provide enough information to determine eligibility, the corresponding author was contacted.

Study Inclusion Criteria