CN49 - Nurse–patient sexual health communication in gynecological cancer follow-up: A qualitative study from nurses’ perspectives

Background

Globally, over 1.39 million women are living with gynecological cancer, and their sexual health can be adversely impacted by cancer treatments. Therefore, it is crucial for gynecological cancer survivors to have opportunities to openly discuss and exchange information regarding their sexual needs during follow-up care. This study was conducted as part of a broader project in Norway that aimed to enhance traditional follow-up approaches for gynecological cancer. The study specifically focused on gathering insights from nurses who were trained in sexual health communication. The primary research question addressed in this study was: What characterizes the nurse-patient sexual health communication, from the perspectives of nurses trained in addressing sexual health?

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews with 10 nurses at five different hospitals in Norway were conducted in March and April 2021. A Gadamerian-inspired research method was used in the analysis.

Results

Three main themes with six sub-themes were identified. The three main themes were: (1) building relationships through communication, (2) practice makes perfect—the importance of experience and knowledge, and (3) personal attitudes as promoters or inhibiters of sexual health communication.

Conclusions

This study highlights valuable insights on nurse-patient sexual health communication. The nurses recognized the importance of establishing a strong and respectful nurse-patient relationship as the foundation for effective communication in this domain. Professional confidence, gained through experience and knowledge, was found to be crucial, along with recognizing the influence of attitudes and taboos on sexual health communication. The findings indicate that training in sexual health communication and repeated opportunities to address sexual health enhance nurses' skills and professional confidence for follow-up care. Importantly, this study suggests that sexual health communication can be effectively integrated into clinical settings without excessive resource demands. The results may encourage nurses to expand their knowledge of sexual health in cancer follow-up care.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.