Nurse's practices and attitudes toward sexual health, wellbeing, and function in people receiving haemodialysis: A scoping review

Abstract

Background Sexual health, wellbeing, and function are important parts of a person's identity. Chronic diseases, such as kidney failure can alter, impair, and profoundly, affect sexual wellbeing and function. Objective To conduct a scoping review of studies about renal nurses’ practice and attitudes towards sexual health, wellbeing, and function in people with kidney failure receiving haemodialysis. Methods Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework, seven databases were searched (CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, OvidPsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane library, and JBI library). The search included studies published in English from January 2009 to January 2020. Results Four studies met the review criteria (two cross‐sectional surveys and two qualitative). Role confusion in discussing sexual issues, lack of training, and education in addressing sexual concerns, personal, and workplace related barriers were four factors that emerged from the review of the studies. This review identified that renal nurses were uncomfortable and hesitant in initiating discussions about sexual health, wellbeing, and function with people receiving haemodialysis. Conclusion Renal nurses experience role confusion about whose responsibility it is to initiate and discuss sexual concerns with patients, as well as who's role is it to conduct sexual health assessments. Work related and personal barriers impeded nurses’ practice regarding sexual health, wellbeing, and function. Nurses working in renal units need knowledge and practical training about how to initiate and address sexual concerns in those affected by kidney disease.

How do nurses and midwives perceive their role in sexual healthcare?

“…Similar findings were identified by previous studies making the approach intimidating and stressful for the patients too [6,7,33,34].…”

“…As part of the holistic and patient-centred care, nurses and midwives play a crucial role in assessing the individuals' sexual health and providing counselling, clinical services and referral to specialists as needed [5]. However, the contributions of these professions have yet to be fully recognised and realised [6,7].…”

Chinese medical staff's knowledge, attitudes and practices towards breast cancer patients' sexual health management: A cross-sectional study

“…Considering the sensitivity of discussing sexual health matters, particularly within Asian communities, it becomes crucial for breast cancer patients to enhance the attitudes of medical personnel towards managing sexual health [ 32 ]. Other studies corroborated it [ 43 , 44 ].…”

What are the qualitative experiences of people affected by kidney failure receiving haemodialysis?

“…In keeping with the broader literature sexual dysfunction is prevalent in people living with kidney failure (Pizzol et al, 2021). There are a range of sexual well‐being interventions available, including both pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical (Frühauf et al, 2013) however, quite often the opportunity to discuss these with patients is limited (Mckie et al, 2021).…”