Nurses perceptions of talking about sexuality with cancer patients (POSTER)

• Sexuality is a part of every human beings identity and it has a varying meaning for the individual person. The ability to love and feel loved is an important part of good health. People suffering from cancer often experience sexual problems due to several reasons.The purpose of this study was to describe nurses’ perception of talking to cancer patients about sexuality and their experiences of what sexuality means for cancer patients.A qualitative method with a phenomenographic approach was used. Ten nurses from different clinics, who met patients in various places during the trajectory of care were interviewed.The nurses’ perceptions are captured in two main categories and six descriptive categories. The first of the two main categories Obstacles and possibilities for the conversation describe the necessary conditions for the dialog together with three descriptive categories: Nurse’s professionalism and individual maturity, Interaction and relationship between the nurse and the patient, and The meaning of the surrounding structure. The second of the two main categories was The cancer patients’ need for support and information. It describes the nurses’ perceptions of how the patients’ need for support and information about sexuality varies during the trajectory of care. Descriptive categories to this main category were: The situation of life, The position in the trajectory of care and its meaning, and Consequences of the illness and its treatment.Conclusions: Alteration in cancer patients sexuality is a recognised problem related to the disease and its treatment. Sexuality is also a neglected aspect of cancer care. This study highlights that nurses have varied perceptions of talking about sexuality with cancer patients. Therefore knowledge in this area and competence are needed. 

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Omvårdnad

Nursing Science

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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