Abstract
ObjectivesTo adapt the theory-driven and positively evaluated Maximising Sexual Wellbeing| Prostate Cancer (MSW|PC) eLearning resource to an eLearning resource suitable for health professionals (HPs) working with mixed cancer populations, followed by usability and acceptability testing.MethodsGuided by Person-Based Approach (PBA) and Biopsychosocial Model, the MSW|PC was adapted by combining evidence from the literature, an expert group (n = 27: patients, partners, and HPs working in cancer care) and the research team. New content was developed relevant for a mixed cancer population. The Maximising Sexual Wellbeing| Cancer Care (MSW|CC) eLearning prototype was usability tested and modified with HPs using “think aloud” interviews (n = 18).ResultsMany identified sexual challenges were common across cancer populations, with additional information required for breast, colorectal, gynaecological, head and neck, and prostate cancers. During the testing phase, navigational difficulties were identified and resolved. HPs reported the MSW|CC as engaging, informative, and relevant with helpful communication and signposting tools to support practice.ConclusionThis systematic and iterative PBA yielded important insights to enhance the content and usability of MSW|CC. This novel resource provides HPs working across cancer care with tools to potentially address the gap in knowledge and skills and positively impact future sexual healthcare provision across cancer care.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-022-06798-w.
Highlights
One in two people are estimated to receive a diagnosis of cancer in their life [1]
An extensive literature review indicated that healthcare professionals (HPs) across cancer care encounter similar barriers to providing sexual support such as a lack of knowledge, clinical time, and confidence in right language to use [10, 11, 16]
Findings from our study have indicated that akin to many other HPs globally, the provision of HP-led sexual support is hindered by similar barriers such as lack of knowledge, time and resources, difficulties communicating around sexual concerns, and biases towards patient characteristics, such as single, elderly, and LGBTS end of life trajectory [10, 11]
Summary
Treatments offered can cause distressing and enduring side effects on sexuality, both for the patient and their partner [2,3,4]. Clinical guidelines highlight the importance of healthcare professionals (HPs) providing routine sexual support to patients and their partners across the treatment trajectory, which addresses the biological, psychological, and social challenges, potential or presenting [5,6,7]. Patients frequently report that they do not receive information about potential sexual challenges or strategies to help them navigate sexual challenges [8]. A key barrier to the provision of HP-led sexual support is a lack of knowledge of the sexual challenges faced by patients and strategies to promote support [10, 11].
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