Sexuality as part of rehabilitation? A qualitative study on the perceptions of rehabilitation nurses on discussing patient sexuality during clinical rehabilitation.

Conclusion: Nurses consider discussing patient sexuality as important but are hindered due to multiple factors. Organizational efforts targeted at knowledge expansion are needed to break the taboo and remove preconceptions. Nurses should provide opportunities to discuss the subject to intercept sexuality-related problems. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The specific tasks of each profession within the multidisciplinary team regarding patient sexuality should be discussed, agreed upon and protocolized. Adding a sexologist in the multidisciplinary team may be of benefit as well as structurally incorporating an appointment with the sexologist within the patients' schedule. If a sexologist is not available, opt for a nurse practitioner who is specialized - or wants to further specialize - in sexual health and sexuality. In order to create more awareness on patient sexuality within the nursing team, a working group can be arranged to give special attention to discussing the subject by organizing trainings and coaching fellow nurses to address sexuality. Create a safe and private environment for the patient when addressing sexuality. Educational interventions to enhance the nurses' knowledge in order to make nurses feel capable to provide basic sexuality-related patient education. PMID: 31613157 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Source Type: research