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Psychosexual support for gynecological cancer survivors: professionals’ current practices and need for assistance

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Abstract

Purpose

About half of the gynecological cancer (GC) survivors suffer from sexual dysfunctions and report a need for professional psychosexual support. The current study assessed (1) health care professionals’ (HCP) current psychosexual support practices, (2) barriers to providing psychosexual support, and (3) HCP needs for training and assistance.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with gynecological oncologists (n = 10), radiation oncologists (n = 10), and oncology nurses involved in the treatment of GC (n = 10).

Results

The majority of the professionals reported discussing sexuality at least once with each patient. An important reason for addressing sexual functioning was to reassure patients that it is normal to experience sexual concerns and give them an opportunity to discuss sexual issues. About half of the professionals provided specific suggestions. Patients were rarely referred to a sexologist. Barriers encountered by professionals in the provision of psychosexual support were embarrassment and lack of time. HCP suggestions for the facilitation of psychosexual support provision were skills training, an increased availability of patient information, and the standard integration of psychosexual support in total gynecological cancer care.

Conclusion

The majority of the professionals reported discussing sexuality at least once with every patient, but discussions of sexual functioning were often limited by time and attention. The development of comprehensive patient information about sexuality after GC is recommended as well as a more standard integration of psychosexual support in GC care and specific training.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Dutch Cancer Society (grant no. UL 2010-4760).

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare no financial disclosures or conflict of interests. The authors also have full control of the primary data and agree to allow the journal to review the data if requested.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. BOX 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands

    Willemijn M. Vermeer, Rinske M. Bakker & Moniek M. ter Kuile

  2. Department of Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands

    Anne M. Stiggelbout

  3. Department of Clinical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands

    Carien L. Creutzberg

  4. Centre for Gynecological Cancer Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Gemma G. Kenter

Authors
  1. Willemijn M. Vermeer
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  2. Rinske M. Bakker
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  3. Anne M. Stiggelbout
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  4. Carien L. Creutzberg
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  5. Gemma G. Kenter
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  6. Moniek M. ter Kuile
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Willemijn M. Vermeer.

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Vermeer, W.M., Bakker, R.M., Stiggelbout, A.M. et al. Psychosexual support for gynecological cancer survivors: professionals’ current practices and need for assistance. Support Care Cancer 23, 831–839 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2433-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2433-7

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