Nursing needs its leaders to respond to Francis
Share
- Article: Bates J (2011) Broaching sexual health issues with patients. Nursing Times; 107: 48, 20-22.
- Author: Joanne Bates is senior lecturer, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, University of Chester, Chester.
Follow the debate on Twitter #NTjournalclub
Key points
- Consider patients’ sexual health needs as part of a holistic approach to care
- Be aware of your own assumptions, beliefs and values
- Use neutral language such as “your partner”
- Consider using the Ex-PLISSIT model of intervention to help open up discussions about sexual health with patients
- Refer patients on for expert help if necessary
Let’s discuss
Think about your own attitudes towards sexual health and your patients and consider:
- Do you find it difficult to talk about sex? If so, think about why.
- Do you assume your patients are heterosexual?
- Do you make assumptions about the sexual behaviour of your patients? For example, do you think that because they have a long-term illness they are not interested in expressing their sexuality or in having sexual contact?
- If you know a patient’s sexuality, do you make assumptions about how they behave?
- Do you currently consider your patients’ sexuality and/or sexual health needs and if so how?
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment.
From Putting it into practice
How do we put research into practice in the surgery or the hospital ward? Each week we’ll pick out a practice article and pose some topics for debate and you can pose your own questions too …Follow the weekly debates on twitter with #NTjournalclub
Readers' comments (1)
Anonymous | 7-May-2013 1:35 am
I think sexual activety is personal and private and unless it seriously affects the patients state of mind or health, then it is not our business to pry. If help or advice needed-refer to the experts. Let's keep sex and sexualtiy between the two people concerned so that it remains a special intimate experience for each other with no prying eyes or questions
Unsuitable or offensive?