Nursing practices on sexual health for people with neurological disorders: A narrative review

Abstract

AbstractAimsTo identify and describe nursing practices on the sexual health of people with neurological disorders.DesignNarrative review.MethodsData were extracted from 1 January 2002, to 20 May 2021. Inclusion criteria were nursing practices, sexual health and people with neurological disorders. The main outcome measures were: context of nursing practice implementation (assumptions, knowledge, strategies and skills), facilitators of and barriers to addressing and treating the sexual health of people with neurological disorders, and benefits of nursing practices in sexual health. PRISMA reporting guidelines were used.Data SourcesPubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect and CINAHL.ResultsIn total, 926 articles were identified and nine were included. The involvement of nurses was recommended in most studies. Assumptions about the impact of neurology on sexuality and nurse's role in sexual healthcare, biopsychosocial knowledge, and skills (ethical, interpersonal, and technical) were highlighted. We found that the modes of knowledge proposed by Carper were mobilized in an unequal way. Sexual difficulties were the key focus and eroticization concerns were not addressed in any of the articles.ConclusionSeveral studies advocate nursing intervention; however, few accurately present, detail and evaluate sexual health nursing practices of patients with neurological pathologies. Literature describes practices structured around disorders rather than the potentials, fails to address the brake of eroticism and provides little information on the results of interventions.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareDeveloping teaching programs on sexual health in nursing programs may be necessary if nurses are to support a diverse range of patients in an inclusive and positive manner. These programs should highlight the domain‐specific knowledge that is mobilized.ImpactSexual health is a fundamental human right. Alterations in the nervous system have shown to affect sexual health, however, it is not often discussed among patients with neurological disorders, who are rarely provided with sexual health counselling. Our findings may impact healthcare professionals engaged in care with these patients.Reporting MethodPRISMA.No patient or public contribution.