Sexual counselling of cardiac patients in Europe: culture matters

Abstract

Background: Sexual problems are common amongst cardiac patients, and concerns may arise

Barriers and Promoting Strategies to Sexual Health Assessment for Patients with Coronary Artery Diseases in Nursing Practice: A Literature Review

“…Amongst other healthcare professionals, nurses can play a significant role in conducting sexual health assessment [30]. Nurses have good relationships with patients due to their daily contact with patients that facilitate assessment of sexual health [31]. Moreover, nurses documented that sexual health assessment for patients is a part of their professional role [32].…”

Sexual Counseling in Patients With Heart Failure

“…10Y12 Nurses play an important role in assisting patients adapt to their lifestyles and learn how to live with their illness, 4,13,14 which should include sexual counseling to HF patients. 3,15,16 In several European studies (eg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Ireland) and studies from the United States, the perceptions of cardiac nurses regarding their roles in discussing sexual concerns with their patients were described. 15,17Y21 Although most nurses in these studies reported feeling responsible for discussing sexual concerns, they rarely do so in daily practice.…”

Sexual Counseling for Individuals With Cardiovascular Disease and Their Partners

“…33,44,50 Only a few studies have focused on the number of patients receiving sexual counseling, 2,51 and even fewer have examined the quality and efficacy of sexual counseling after a cardiac event or stroke. 19,[52][53][54] Healthcare professionals must balance the sensitivity of the topic, their own knowledge and comfort, and the need for education and support on the part of the patient when discussing resumption of sexual activity.…”

“…Cultural and language barriers may also inhibit sensitive discussions. 15,17,22,[32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] Although healthcare professionals indicate some knowledge about sexual activity in cardiac populations and are willing to engage in sexual counseling, 22 evidence suggests limited follow-through in providing such interventions to patients 40,41 because of lack of confidence and specialized training, 15,32,42 as well as perceived restrictions in the practice setting 43 and cultural background of the healthcare provider. 33 Specific areas of knowledge to be addressed in staff training are the role of intimacy without sex to gain confidence, positions for sexual activity, use of foreplay before sexual activity, and avoidance of unfamiliar partners and surroundings, 17,36,44 as well as knowledge regarding the use of medications to enhance sexual performance and whether or not these are safe for patients to use with specific types of CVD.…”