Factors influencing medication‐taking behaviour with adjuvant endocrine therapy in women with breast cancer: A qualitative systematic review

Abstract Aims To explore the experience and feelings associated with the endocrine therapy treatment trajectory in women with breast cancer and what affects medication taking behaviour. Design Qualitative systematic review. Data sources Qualitative studies were extracted from PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO from inception of each database until February 2019. Review methods The systematic search method SPIDER (sample, phenomenon of interest, design, evaluation, research type) was used. Thematic synthesis of the qualitative data was used. Results A total of 478 were identified in the initial search. Only 17 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Five analytical themes and 17 descriptive subthemes were identified. Conclusions The systematic review highlights knowledge, balancing the scales, self‐efficacy and support influence medication taking behaviour to women with breast cancer. Impact The medication taking behaviour of breast cancer women can be classified into four types: acceptance/persistence, bearing/suffering, hesitation/adjustment, refusing/abandoning. The four types can switch from one to another. Medication taking behaviour is affected by knowledge, balancing the scales, self‐efficacy, and support. The medical institutions, communities, and families can gain knowledge of the treatment experiences of women to better understand medication taking behaviour and those at risk for non‐adherence. Women wanted different types and amounts of information. Healthcare providers should be aware of patient preferences and take targeted interventions to help them receive treatment.