Effects of a Brief E-Learning Resource on Sexual Attitudes and Beliefs of Healthcare Professionals Working in Prostate Cancer Care: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Sexual issues and treatment side effects are not routinely discussed with men receiving treatment for prostate cancer, and support to address these concerns is not consistent across settings. This study evaluates a brief e-learning resource designed to improve sexual wellbeing support and examine its effects on healthcare professionals’ sexual attitudes and beliefs. Healthcare professionals (n = 44) completed an online questionnaire at baseline which included a modified 12-item sexual attitudes and beliefs survey (SABS). Follow-up questionnaires were completed immediately after the e-learning and at 4 weeks. Data were analysed using one-way, repeat measures ANOVAs to assess change in attitudes and beliefs over time. Significant improvements were observed at follow-up for a number of survey statements including ‘knowledge and understanding’, ‘confidence in discussing sexual wellbeing’ and the extent to which participants felt ‘equipped with the language to initiate conversations’. The resource was seen as concise, relevant to practice and as providing useful information on potential side effects of treatment. In brief, e-learning has potential to address barriers to sexual wellbeing communication and promote delivery of support for prostate cancer survivors. Practical methods and resources should be included with these interventions to support implementation of learning and long-term changes in clinical behaviour.

Enhancing healthcare professional‐led sexual support in cancer care: Acceptability and usability of an eLearning resource and its impact on attitudes towards providing sexual support

“…It is thought that the latter could be explained by HPs who worked in prostate cancer care being more familiar with patients' sexual concerns given the direct impact on erectile function. 25 However, unlike McCaughan et al 12 who collected data at a further time point (4 weeks post-intervention), the current study cannot make assertions as to whether positive effects were sustained over time, as there was only one immediate post-intervention followup time point.…”

“…11,13,16 For example, one study 11 had an attrition rate of 49% at follow up, while another 13 lost 46% of participants at follow up. Some studies used reminder emails to enhance recruitment however this strategy can have limited effectiveness, 11,12,16 but overall has been reported to boost response rates. 36 Future studies should consider adopting additional strategies.…”

“…24 Details of modifications have been previously published. 12 The adapted SABS used a four-point Likert scale to identify HPs sexual attitudes and beliefs related to the provision of sexual support. Five items were reversed during scoring.…”

“…The authors of the original SABS stated that it provided a stable measure of attitudes with good test‐retest reliability over a 7–10 days prior (r = 0.85; p < 0.001) 24 . Details of modifications have been previously published 12 . The adapted SABS used a four‐point Likert scale to identify HPs sexual attitudes and beliefs related to the provision of sexual support.…”

“…or genders, [11][12][13] largely adopting a face-to-face delivery mode which limits accessibility, relies on local expertise and delivery capacity. 11,[14][15][16] Previously, our team detailed the adaptation and optimisation of the novel evidence-based and theory-driven Maximising Sexual Wellbeing: Cancer Care eLearning resource (MSW|CC) 17 for use by HPs working across cancer care.…”