Identifying and addressing sexual health in serious mental illness: Views of mental health staff working in two National Health Service organizations in England

Abstract

People with serious mental illness (service users) have needs related to sexual health and sexuality, yet these have been poorly addressed in mental health services. In the present study, we report the current practice of mental health professionals in relation to sexual health. Focus groups conducted in two mental health trusts explored routine practice in relation to discussing, assessing, and planning care in relation to sexual health. A thematic analysis identified seven themes: (i) sexual health provision is a complex issue; (ii) mental health staff are aware of sexual health needs; (iii) current provision regarding sexual health is 'neglected'; (iv) barriers to sexual health provision; (v) enabling a discussion around sexual health; (vi) sexual health provision is a role for mental health professionals; and (vii) training needs. Mental health staff are aware of complex issues related to sexual health for service users, but this is mainly seen through the lens of risk management and safeguarding. We need to develop the mental health workforce to be able to incorporate sexual health into routine health care.

Understanding the current sexual health service provision for mental health consumers by nurses in mental health settings: Findings from a Survey in Australia and England

“…There was a significant gender effect on the discussion of sexual health topics with a greater likelihood of discussions occurring with same gender consumers. Fear of embarrassment and destabilizing the consumer were ranked as the top reasons to avoid the topic which is unsurprising given the identified avoidance in previous studies (Hughes ; McCann ,b; Quinn et al . ).…”

“…The survey was developed based on items from a previous workforce survey (Hughes & Gray ) which asked questions about HIV knowledge, awareness, and sexual healthcare; and themes that emerged from qualitative studies undertaken in Australia and England (Hughes ; Quinn et al . ).…”

“…The survey was developed based on items from a previous workforce survey (Hughes & Gray 2009) which asked questions about HIV knowledge, awareness, and sexual healthcare; and themes that emerged from qualitative studies undertaken in Australia and England (Hughes 2017;Quinn et al 2011). The survey aimed to explore whether specific sexual health issues were addressed during consultations with consumers, along with exploring the views of nurses on their role in promoting sexual health for mental health consumers.…”

“…; Hughes et al . ). It is unclear whether this avoidance extends to the provision of sexual healthcare.…”

“…There is a growing body of evidence that nurses (Kolbe et al 2016;Nakopoulou et al 2009), and in particular, nurses working in mental health settings, avoid talking to mental health consumers about sexual health concerns (McCann 2010a,b;€ Ostman 2008;Quinn et al 2011;Hughes et al 2017). It is unclear whether this avoidance extends to the provision of sexual healthcare.…”