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

Abstract

AbstractAimTo 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.