Bringing Sexy Back: Sexuality and Intimacy Concerns in an Advanced Heart Failure Population Receiving Palliative Care Consultation

Kelemen, Anne; Groninger, J. Hunter; Cagle, John G.; Walker, Kathryn

doi:10.1016/j.healun.2016.01.054

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…This is more evident with adolescent or elderly patients, as they are commonly perceived as groups that are not sexually active (12). When sexual health assessments are carried out, they often focus on physical function, documenting symptoms of sexual dysfunction and loss of libido as a result of cancer treatment, but fail to address the psychological or sociological aspects of intimacy and sex (13). If patients receive sexual health information in a proactive manner as part of the consent process, so that they understand the impact of treatments, they may avoid unnecessary issues and be aware of strategies to maintain a healthy and enjoyable intimate relationship throughout their cancer journey (14).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual healthcare for cancer patients receiving palliative care: a narrative review

et al. 2018

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Palliative care aims to improve quality of life (QoL) for patients and families and does so by addressing issues not limited to pathology, but other symptoms that may be debilitating to patient experience and QoL. Despite sexual health being an important aspect of life for many patients, it is often omitted in clinical practice. This review summarizes published primary studies to explore the prevalence and importance of incorporating sexual health in the symptom screening and assessments of palliative patients, to identify current interventions that are implemented to address sexual health issues, and identify the barriers that health care professionals (HCPs) and patients may encounter which may prevent sexual health discussions. A literature review was conducted on Medline and Embase databases using keywords including "cancer", "sexual health", "intimacy", and "palliative care". Eleven papers focusing on the sexual health and intimacy of terminally ill patients in hospice, palliative or terminal care settings were identified for inclusion. Discussions about sexual health, functioning, and intimacy were not common in patient care, despite being a service that both patients and their partners desired. Referrals to sexologists, or discussions with patients and partners about intimacy and sexuality over the course of the disease trajectory were shown to improve QoL as well as alleviate some of the stress of receiving palliative care services. HCPs cited a lack of training, their own life experiences, or discomfort with the topic as barriers to initiating conversations with patients. In conclusion, sexuality and intimacy remain important parts of many people's lives regardless of their health, and should be incorporated into the care of all patients including those in palliative care. There is a need for further research to evaluate different methods or procedures for educating and counselling patients and their partners on sexual health issues. HCPs should have specific training and education in sexual health care to enable them to initiate and direct these discussions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual healthcare for cancer patients receiving palliative care: a narrative review

et al. 2018

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“…Even when this happens, the physical aspects of intimacy often overlap with psychosocial aspects, such as affective care and loneliness, which in fact are the ones that most affect the patient. 21 The positive impact of providing SH to patients in PC should motivate HCP to overcome the difficulties they experience regarding this matter. 11 Communication skills and psychosocial guidance provide HCP with the ability to explore the SH needs identified by the patient or the couple.…”

Section: Assessment Models Of Sexuality and Intimacymentioning

confidence: 99%