Development of an Educational Intervention Focused on Sexuality for Women with Gynecological Cancer

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to report on the development of an educational intervention that focuses on providing women with gynecological cancer information on sexuality. Intervention development was guided by the Medical Research Council framework for complex intervention development. A phased approach was taken to the design and evaluation of this complex intervention which included (1) an in-depth literature review, (2) selection of a theoretical framework, (3) a qualitative study, (4) development of intervention content and process, and (5) pilot testing of the intervention. The educational intervention consists of an information booklet combined with a verbal education session. Content of the intervention is guided by a conceptual framework of sexuality, whereas the intervention process is guided by andragogical principles and the PLISSIT model. Content validity was established by patient and expert review.

The Effectiveness of the PLISSIT Model in Solving Postpartum Sexual Problems Experienced by Women

“…In studies which have been done early on, it was shown that the PLISSIT model had positive effects on the individuals, at different stages of life and in different circumstances, to whom it was applied and on their sexual functions (Ayaz and Kubilay 2008, Chun 2011, Cleary et al 2012, Jaarsma et al 2010, Ju-Hee 2013, Lara et al 2008, Tütüncü 2009. This provoked the thought that the structure and features could be effecive in solving postpartum sexual problems.…”

Psychosexual support for gynecological cancer survivors: professionals’ current practices and need for assistance

“…These results are in accordance with the PLISSIT model. The PLISSIT model differentiates four levels of psychosexual interventions and can be used to include sexuality into the clinical oncologic practice [32,33]. The interviews suggest that most professionals applied the first two levels of the PLISSIT model in their current practice by giving patient permission to talk about sexuality (level 1) and supplying them with limited information (level 2).…”

Sexual well-being in cancer and palliative care: an assessment of healthcare professionals’ current practice and training needs

“…Studies have reported sexual dysfunction prevalence rates of 20–100% in patients with cancer2 and it is known that cancer and cancer treatments lead to distressing sexual problems that persist for many years 3 4. A Canadian study found that sexuality continues to be important in the last weeks of life for palliative care,5 while another study found that significantly more palliative and oncology patients wanted the opportunity to discuss their sexual lives with a professional than did healthy controls 6.…”