Maximising sexual wellbeing in cancer care: findings from a qualitative process evaluation exploring healthcare professionals’ views on acceptability and usability of an eLearning resource 

Abstract

Background Provision of healthcare professional (HP)-led sexual support in cancer care is lacking. Guidelines recommend that HPs should lead on provision of sexual support; however, HPs report considerable challenges providing this care. Barriers include a lack of awareness around sexual concerns and strategies to help patients with cancer and partners cope, coupled with a lack of relevant training, access to supportive resources and signposting opportunities. To address this gap, the Maximising Sexual Wellbeing| Cancer Care eLearning resource (MSW|CC) was developed. Quantitative evaluation of the MSW|CC has demonstrated efficacy in reducing HPs attitudinal barriers to the provision of sexual support. This qualitative process evaluation seeks to explore the mechanisms that may influence HP engagement with MSW|CC and adoption into practice. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with HPs who had completed the MSW|CC and were providing routine cancer care in health and social care settings in Northern Ireland. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflective thematic analysis. Results Seventeen participants were interviewed and four key themes were identified. [1] MSW|CC raises HPs awareness of the need for holistic sexual support as part of routine clinical care, [2] MSC|CC prepares and equips HPs to provide sexual support in cancer care, [3] MSW|CC is coherent, engaging and acceptable and [4] MSW|CC: Moving forward. Conclusion Important insights were provided into HPs perspectives on the MSW|CC, lending explanation for attrition rates within a previous study. Participants derived benefits from MSW|CC, deeming it an acceptable resource for implementation and integration by HPs across cancer care settings.