Addressing changed sexual functioning in cancer patients: A cross-sectional survey among Dutch oncology nurses

Abstract

Findings suggest oncology nurses consider counselling on sexual issues to be an important responsibility, in line with discussing other side-effects caused by the disease or its treatment. Nevertheless, cancer patients may not routinely be receiving a sexual health evaluation by oncology nurses. Results emphasize the potential benefit of providing knowledge, including practical training and a complete department protocol.

Discussing sexuality in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery: a national survey of current practice in the Netherlands

“…The national plastic surgeons society permitted us to send only a single mail, which may partly explain the moderate response rate. Still, the response rate is comparable to other survey studies [10]. The included study population was relatively heterogeneous as no selection was performed based on subspecialty and/or years of experience (due to the study aim of generating an overview of the plastic surgical field as a whole).…”

“…Although sexuality applies to breast surgery very much [21], other medical specialties have also recognized the importance for sexuality in their practice, for example in urology, gynecology, but also in cardiology [10, 22–27]. Comparable studies to the present study in other fields of medicine show an equal lack of discussing sexology as well as the associated boundaries [10, 22–27]. It is positive that contemporary literature does emphasize these issues and attempts to invoke a responsibility among providers who treat patients with pathology in relevant areas.…”

“…Subsequently, specialized psychologists or nurses best perform the treatment of existing sexuality issues. Oncology nurses for example have shown to play an important role in repeatedly question patients on this topic [9, 10]. Though, it is important to stress that this profession is not involved in the treatment of the non-oncological plastic surgery population.…”

“…The authors developed the survey in line with a previously developed instrument of similar kind [10]. The survey comprised 34 items, which focused on the background and experience of the plastic surgeon, as well as their practice related to discussing sexual functioning with their patients, their preferences with regard to sexuality training, and their interest in other sexuality support.…”

“…The present instrument was modified after a survey assessing similar subjects in another field of medicine [10]. A first version of the current measure, based on this scientifically valid tool described earlier, was tested in a pilot study in which five plastic surgeons provided feedback on the clarity and content of the questions.…”