Oncology nurses' and oncologists' experience of addressing sexual health concerns in breast cancer patients: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the experiences of Chinese oncology nurses and oncologists who provide sexual health education for breast cancer patients in their practical work.

METHODS

This was a qualitative study using semistructured face-to-face interviews. Eleven nurses and eight oncologists who provided sexual health education to breast cancer patients were purposively recruited from eight hospitals in seven provinces of China. Data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method.

RESULTS

Four main themes emerged: the surface of sexual health, stress and benefit finding, cultural sensitivity and communication, needs and changes. Both oncology nurses and oncologists found it difficult to solve sexual health problems, which were beyond their responsibilities and competencies. They felt helpless about the limitations of external support. Nurses hoped oncologists could participate in more sexual health education.

CONCLUSIONS

Oncology nurses and oncologists experienced great challenges in educating breast cancer patients about sexual health. They are eager to obtain more formal education and learning resources for sexual health education. Specific training to improve the sexual health education competence of healthcare professionals is needed. Furthermore, more support is needed to create conditions to encourage patients to reveal their sexual challenges. It is necessary for oncology nurses and oncologists to communicate on sexual health in breast cancer patients, and to promote interdisciplinary communication and share responsibility.