Abstract
Sexual issues and treatment side effects are not routinely discussed with men receiving treatment for prostate cancer, and support to address these concerns is not consistent across settings. This study evaluates a brief e-learning resource designed to improve sexual wellbeing support and examine its effects on healthcare professionals’ sexual attitudes and beliefs. Healthcare professionals (n = 44) completed an online questionnaire at baseline which included a modified 12-item sexual attitudes and beliefs survey (SABS). Follow-up questionnaires were completed immediately after the e-learning and at 4 weeks. Data were analysed using one-way, repeat measures ANOVAs to assess change in attitudes and beliefs over time. Significant improvements were observed at follow-up for a number of survey statements including ‘knowledge and understanding’, ‘confidence in discussing sexual wellbeing’ and the extent to which participants felt ‘equipped with the language to initiate conversations’. The resource was seen as concise, relevant to practice and as providing useful information on potential side effects of treatment. In brief, e-learning has potential to address barriers to sexual wellbeing communication and promote delivery of support for prostate cancer survivors. Practical methods and resources should be included with these interventions to support implementation of learning and long-term changes in clinical behaviour.
Highlights
This review found healthcare professionals acknowledged the importance of discussing and providing support for sexual wellbeing needs, but recognised it is not routinely provided and highlighted a need for brief educational and support tools to promote effective conversations with patients
Confidence in their ability to address sexual concerns of men living with prostate cancer, and not knowing the right language to use when discussing sexual concerns, were both identified as potential barriers to discussing sexual wellbeing with patients, meaning that they had the greatest potential to improve following the e-learning resource
Healthcare professionals should routinely engage with all patients to provide information and support to address and mange sexual wellbeing issues
Summary
Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer and long-term side effects associated with different treatment approaches are common [1,2]. In a recent large-scale survey, approximately 80% of men reported poor sexual function post-treatment [3]. Treatment guidelines [4,5] endorse delivery of psychosexual care for prostate cancer patients with recommendations made for the minimal level of support that should be provided. Despite evidence indicating that men with prostate cancer want healthcare professionals to discuss sexual issues and side effects of treatment [6,7,8], sexual aspects of recovery are often not
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
