Heideggerian researchers recognize that people and their worlds are coconstructed; people make sense of their world from within it, not detached from it. The presence of one's partner in a joint interview will therefore influence the experience of participants, and will also influence the descriptions they provide. In this article, we present a reflexive discussion of two studies in which we used Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology to explore people's experiences of sexuality and intimacy within the context of their illness. We present the Heideggerian concepts of Dasein, authenticity and truth, and draw on extracts from our interview transcripts to exemplify the different effects of joint and one-to-one interviews. We also discuss ethical considerations regarding these different interview approaches. Heidegger's philosophy does not preferentially support either method, but helps us to be clearer about the merits and limitations of each approach. Combining both approaches provides richer understanding of phenomena.

Background Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of mental disorders and a high incidence of morbidity, but if diagnosed and treated promptly individuals can benefit from full recovery. However, there are numerous problems at the healthcare interface (i.e. primary and secondary care) for eating disorders. It is important to examine these to facilitate appropriate, seamless treatment and improve access to specialist care. Aims To examine the current literature on the experiences and perspectives of those across healthcare interfaces for eating disorders, to include individuals with eating disorders, people close to or caring for those with eating disorders such as family and friends, and health professionals. Method To identify relevant papers, a systematic search of electronic databases was conducted. Other methods, including hand-searching, scanning reference lists and internet resources were also used. Papers that met inclusion criteria were analysed using a systematic methodology and synthesised using an interpretative thematic approach. Results Sixty-three papers met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality was relatively good. The included papers were of both qualitative (n = 44) and quantitative studies (n = 24) and were from ten different countries. By synthesising the literature of these papers, three dominant themes were identified, with additional subthemes. These included: ‘the help-seeking process at primary care’; ‘expectations of care and appropriate referrals’ and ‘opposition and collaboration in the treatment of and recovery from eating disorders’. Conclusions This review identifies both facilitators and barriers in eating disorder healthcare, from the perspectives of those experiencing the interface first hand. The review provides recommendations for future research and practice. Declaration of interest None.

Sexual health is a holistic concept which encompasses much more than the prevention of infections and unwanted pregnancy. This article defines sexuality and sexual health before discussing the nurse's role in identifying and meeting patients' sexuality and sexual health needs. The Ex-PLISSIT model is proposed as a useful tool for nurses working in primary care to address sexuality and sexual health.

This paper discusses the limitations in the way that healthcare practitioners may use Annon's PLISSIT model in meeting the sexual wellbeing needs of individuals with an acquired disability and presents the merits of the extended model, Ex-PLISSIT. Key features of this model include explicit Permission-giving as a core feature of each of the other stages, the requirement to review all interactions with patients, and the incorporation of reflection as a means of increasing self-awareness by challenging assumptions.

Stigma is a social construct which has significant impact on the life experiences of individuals both infected with and affected by HIV. The stigma experienced is unique to each individual and changes dynamically throughout the course of the HIV illness trajectory. Each of the four identified phases poses unique stigmatic qualities.