Abstract CN80
Background
Cancer disease, treatment, living with the disease is for the patient and his loved ones, a path into the unknown. Today's treatments allow cancer patients to recover or to survive for a long time. Patients face with lasting consequences of treatment which affect their quality of life. Cancer diseases also affects sexuality and related sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is a common but overlooked symptom. They remain a taboo subject. Healthcare professionals play a key role. The purpose of the study was to determine the presence of education about sexual dysfunction by health professionals. The aims of the research were to examine literature about importance of education in the process of medical treatment; examine opportunities and barriers to addressing the sexual health of cancer patients from a nursing perspective.
Methods
We used a descriptive method and chose the metasynthesis of a review of the scientific literature. The Databases we used were, Web of Science, CINAHL, dLib, Academic Search Premier and PubMed. We used the following key search phrases: »Cancer«, »Sexuality«, »Nursing care« and »Education«. For the purpose of the research, we used literature that is freely available in its entirety from the period 2015 to 2020. All selected extracts were reviewed with the aim of eliminating potentially suitable contributions and selecting suitable ones for further review.
Results
The presence of education on sexual disorders is overlooked area by health professionals, there is a obvious gap. Ensuring sexual health in the process of nursing is not quality, which is the result of “prejudices” of health professionals towards sexuality, lack of expertise and organizational barriers. Sexual health education has improved the symptoms of sexual dysfunction. The use of the PLISSIT communication model has proven to be an effective approach in treating patients who experience changes in sexuality after treatment.
Conclusions
Healthcare professionals must be aware of the seriousness of the topic. They must included education about sexual dysfunction in nursing proces. Education improves patients sexual health, partnership, orgasm, reduced pain, and arousal. It is important that sexuality and sexual dysfunction are addressed on the basis of global recommendations, models and protocols.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
M. Kozuh.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
The author has declared no conflicts of interest.