160 Canadian TrueNTH Sexual Health and Rehabilitation eClinic (SHAReClinic) for Prostate Cancer Patients: Results of a Feasibility Study

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction (SD) after prostate cancer (PC) has a significant negative impact on a patient’s health-related quality of life. The TrueNTH Sexual Health and Rehabilitation eClinic (SHAReClinic) is a Canadian online intervention for patients/couples seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction after treatment for localized PC. The SHAReClinic intervention involves six online clinic visits; one pretreatment and five follow-up visits over a one-year period post PC treatment. Components of SHAReClinic include tailored and structured educational modules, personalized support via an online sexual health counsellor, a virtual library, and tracking and feedback mechanisms for participants. The objectives of this study are: 1) to determine the acceptability, and 2) to inform the effectiveness of an online, biopsychosocial intervention (SHAReClinic) in treating sexual dysfunction and supporting intimacy maintenance following localized PC treatment. This single-arm, prospective feasibility study recruited participants from six healthcare institutions across Canada to enroll in SHAReClinic. Website usage and analytics were analyzed at the end of the study to assess intervention acceptability. Questionnaires were completed at pre-treatment, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post treatment to inform the intervention effectiveness. Outcome measures for sexual function included the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS)- Interest in Sexual Activity and Sexual Activities, and the sexual health questions of the Expanded Prostate Index Composite (EPIC). Sexual distress and relationship intimacy were measured using the Sexual Distress Scale (SDS) and the Miller Social Intimacy Scale (MSIS) questionnaires respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.