Does a hospital bed impact on sexuality expression in palliative care?

Abstract

During end of life care for patients with cancer, hospital beds are often introduced into the home setting. The impact of this intervention on sexuality and intimacy expression for couples is not known. A review of related literature revealed that intimacy expression at the end of life is important for patients but is generally regarded by nurses as a difficult and complex area of care. The relationship between sexuality expression and the provision of a hospital bed has implications for nursing practice.