Nurse–patient sexual health communication in gynaecological cancer follow‐up: A qualitative study from nurses' perspectives

Abstract

AimTo explore nurse–patient sexual health communication from the perspectives of nurses trained to address sexual health in gynaecological cancer follow‐up.DesignA qualitative hermeneutic approach.MethodsIndividual semi‐structured interviews with 10 nurses at five different hospitals in Norway were conducted in March and April 2021. A Gadamerian‐inspired research method was used in the analysis.ResultsThree main themes with six sub‐themes were identified. The three main themes were: (1) building relationships through communication, (2) practice makes perfect—the importance of experience and knowledge, and (3) personal attitudes as promoters or inhibiters of sexual health communication.ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights into nurse–patient sexual health communication from the perspectives of nurses. The nurses in this study experienced the importance of having a good, respectful nurse–patient relationship as the foundation for sexual health communication. The professional confidence gained through experience and knowledge was emphasized, including the significance of how attitudes and taboos can influence sexual health communication.ImpactThe main findings of this study indicate that training in sexual health communication and the possibility of addressing sexual health repeatedly give nurses skills and professional confidence to address sexual health in cancer follow‐up. Our study indicates that sexual health communication can be achieved in a clinical setting without being overly resource demanding. Our results may also motivate nurses to enhance their knowledge about sexual health in cancer follow‐ups.Patient or Public ContributionA patient representative from the Norwegian Gynaecological Cancer Society have been involved in the planning of this study. She has given valuable contributions from the view of a gynaecological cancer patient.

Gynecological cancer survivors' experiences with sexual health communication in nurse‐led follow‐up consultations

“…This preference might have been influenced by the nurses' central role in handling SH communication with the women in the LETSGO study. 14 This role clarification could have fostered the perception that addressing sexuality constitutes an integral component of nursing assessments, 34 reflected in the consultations. Meeting the same nurse at each consultation was considered crucial for facilitating the adjustment of SH.…”

“…This was also emphasized in our interview study of LETSGO nurses, in which establishing a nurse–patient relationship based on trust was essential before SH was addressed. 14 …”

“… 13 The communication was adjusted to the women's diagnoses, treatment, and possible late effects. 14 The participanting women also had two consultations, including a gynecological examination, with a gynecologist in the first year of surveillance. 13 …”

“…Based on previous literature and interviews of the nurses in the LETSGO study, 14 we developed a semi‐structured interview guide. The guide was tested in a pilot interview in which a patient representative treated for GC gave feedback on the guide.…”

“…The LETSGO nurses have been trained in coaching techniques, including patient‐centered communication (PCC) in SH issues. 13 , 14 PCC emphasizes the recognition of patients’ needs, perspective, and unique experience with the goal of enhancing patients. 10…”