Sexual Healthcare in Cancer Patients: Awareness and Role Perceptions of Radiation Therapists

Abstract

Cancer patients report dissatisfaction with care they receive in relation to changes affecting sexual health, intimacy and relationships. Health care professionals (HCPs) describe barriers in providing support in these areas due to lack of time, training, education and privacy. Radiation therapists (RTs) play a key role in cancer care but there is little evidence of their role in sexual healthcare. This project investigated awareness levels and role perceptions of RTs in sexual health issues related to cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. A mixed methods approach was used for this investigation. Quantitative data was collected via an online questionnaire developed from the literature. 284 RTs from two large cancer centers were eligible to participate; 84 responded (29%). Two focus groups were conducted with 15 volunteer RTs to validate questionnaire data and further explore the topic. Content analysis was employed to identify themes from the qualitative data. RT respondents acknowledge the complexity of sexual health issues; 85% recognized that sexual health issues can occur across all cancer sites. 92% agreed that sexual health is important for quality of life. Barriers identified to RT provision of sexual healthcare are similar to other HCPs i.e. environment, time, lack of training and education. Barriers to RT involvement in sexual healthcare may be resolved through training and education. Provision of private space for patient education may provide a more conducive environment for sexual healthcare interactions. Involvement of RTs in sexual health care may increase services for cancer patients and improve patient satisfaction in this domain.