Factors Influencing the Provision of Healthcare Professional-Led Sexual Support to Patients with Cancer and Their Partners: An Integrative Review of Studies from 2017 to 2022

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Patients with cancer and partners often face difficult and enduring sexual concerns. Reviews up to 2017 identified that the provision of a healthcare professional (HP)-led sexual support was not routine practice. Since 2017, there has been a burgeoning growth in research and evidenced-based interventions targeting HP’s sexual support provision in cancer care. Therefore, this review presents a synthesis of HP-led sexual support and factors impacting provision in cancer care from 2017 to 2022 to ascertain if sexual support in clinical practice has changed. Methods Using an integrative review design, searches were performed on five electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed and PsycInfo), Google Scholar and manual review of reference lists from 2017 to 2022. Data extracted from studies meeting predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria was synthesised using thematic analysis. Papers were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results From the twelve empirical studies included, three themes were identified: (1) Theory–practice gap: HP’s recognition of the need to provide sexual support to patients with cancer and partners but current provision is lacking, (2) professional and organisational barriers to HPs providing sexual support for patients with cancer and (3) equipping HPs and enabling patients to discuss sexual challenges in cancer care could enhance delivery of sexual support. Conclusion Provision of HP-led sexual support in cancer care is still not routine practice and when provided is considered by HPs as sub-optimal. Policy Implications Providing HPs with education, supportive resources and referral pathways could enhance the provision of sexual support in cancer care.