A study to ascertain gynaecological patients' perceived levels of embarrassment with physical and psychological care given by female and male nurses

Abstract

The Sex Discrimination Act lifted the barriers which prevented men from training and practising as midwives. However, cultural attitudes perceive nursing to be a female profession, and whilst care from a male doctor is considered to be acceptable, care from a male nurse is said to be embarrassing. The purpose of the study was to identify if there was any relationship between the intimacy of a nursing interaction and the patient's level of embarrassment. Data collection was by questionnaires with rating scales. Demographic data was obtained from nursing and medical notes. Statistical analysis was performed by non-parametric methods using Mini-tab. Ninety-one questionnaires were returned from a convenience sample of patients on a gynaecological oncology ward. Analysis of the data indicates that in a population of patients who have no prior experience of hospital admission, or of being cared for by a male nurse, there is a preference for care by a female nurse. However, this preference is not demonstrated in patients who have undergone previous hospital admission within the last five years or who have been cared for by a male nurse. These findings would indicate a cultural preference for care by a female nurse in patients with gynaecological cancer that is changed by experience during hospital admission.

Self-Image of Male Nursing Students in Hong Kong

“…On the other hand, the male nursing students tried to keep their distance from female patients. The gender barrier faced by male nurses has been discussed in previous studies (Keogh & Gleeson, 2006;Lodge et al, 1997). A chaperone and a sense of humor could improve nurse-patient relationships (Milligan, 2001).…”

Attitudes of patients towards being cared for by male nurses in a Jamaican hospital

“…According to Lodge, Mallett & Blake (1997), 65% compared to 17% of the patients believed that female and male nurses, respectively, could meet all of their needs. Preference towards the gender of the nurses was also influenced by age, as younger women preferred care from female nurses while those above 40 years of age had no preference for nurses based on their sex (ChurHansen, 2002).…”

Process utility from providing informal care: the benefit of caring

“…Many studies to improve the quality of care are indeed primarily related to process rather than (direct health) outcome. Studies into preferences regarding nurse gender in certain situations seem to deal directly with process utility [19,20].…”