Addressing clients’ sexual health in occupational therapy practice

Abstract

Background. Sexuality is an important dimension of one’s health and well-being. Studies show that occupational therapists regard clients’ sexual health as a legitimate domain of practice but do not adequately address it in their clinical work. Purpose. This study aims to describe occupational therapists’ perspectives regarding clients’ sexual health. Method. This exploratory study surveyed Canadian occupational therapists using an online questionnaire that collected information on beliefs, knowledge, comfort, barriers, and facilitators with regard to addressing sexuality. Descriptive analysis was conducted on questionnaire data, and content analysis was used to organize respondents’ comments. Findings. While most respondents believed that addressing sexuality was within their scope, few actually did so in practice. Participants reported comfort with sexuality but identified lack of knowledge as a barrier to addressing clients’ sexual health. Implications. This study provided a greater understanding of factors that require consideration for occupational therapists to effectively meet clients’ sexual health needs.

Bringing sexuality out of the closet: What can we learn from occupational therapists who successfully address the area of sexuality in everyday practice?

“…Although there were differences in how participants navigated boundaries, our findings are consistent with work undertaken as part of a nursing study (Erikson & Davies, 2017, p. 45), where nurses reported maintaining integrity through 'behaving professionally and connecting personally'. Our findings also reinforce attitudes expressed by participants in other studies (Lepage et al, 2020;Young et al, 2020); that is, occupational therapists should not be expected to work above their comfort or skill level. With the expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, and increasing orientation to client-centred service models, it is likely the expectation to address this issue will continue to grow.…”

“…Although most healthcare professionals recognise and acknowledge the importance of addressing sexuality, the topic is rarely addressed in routine practice (Dyer & das Nair, 2013;Hughes et al, 2018). Significant barriers to addressing sexuality include lack of confidence and knowledge, with most healthcare professionals citing concerns about causing distress and embarrassment (Dyer & das Nair, 2013;Hughes et al, 2018;Young et al, 2020). Previous research indicates that sexuality education and training can facilitate increased comfort in addressing sexuality issues with clients (Hordern et al, 2009;Karani & McLuskey, 2020;Quinn et al, 2013).…”

“…Furthermore, mentorship and support from employers and other team members can improve confidence and competence (Dyer & das Nair, 2013;Lepage et al, 2020). At the organisational level, time constraints and having a narrow scope of practice impact on healthcare professionals' ability to address sexuality-related issues (Karani & McLuskey, 2020;Young et al, 2020). Enabling interventions, therefore, need to consider structural and organisational factors, including the development of professional and institutional guidelines (Dyer & das Nair, 2013;Hughes et al, 2018;Karani & McLuskey, 2020).…”

Danish Health Professional Students' Attitudes Toward Addressing Sexual Health: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“… 8 HPs are rarely prepared to address sexual issues and often report providing insufficient care and rehabilitation regarding sexual health. 8 , 9 Common barriers are lack of education, 8 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 knowledge, 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 14 training, 11 , 12 , 14 communication skills, 10 , 12 as well as professionals' embarrassment, 8 , 10 and the view that sexual health is not part of their professional responsibility. 8 , 11 Additional barriers are sociocultural norms, 12 , 14 lack of routine, 10 , 12 priority, 8 , 12 time, 8 , 12 and organizational support.…”

“… 8 , 11 Additional barriers are sociocultural norms, 12 , 14 lack of routine, 10 , 12 priority, 8 , 12 time, 8 , 12 and organizational support. 8 , 9 Negative experiences of professional inadequacy and lack of institutional policy hinder professionals from integrating sexual health issues into their professional capacity. 8 , 10 , 11 The mentioned barriers present challenges for the HPs in developing attitudes promoting sexual health for people in rehabilitation.…”