Improving sexual rehabilitation services: the patient's perspective.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine, from the perspective of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), the efficacy of sexual rehabilitation services. This input was sought to provide relevant information for enhancing services and for purposes of curricular planning.

METHOD

Data from 12 persons with SCI were gathered through interviews. Qualitative methodology was used to analyze interview transcripts. The results were categorized into the following themes: descriptions of sexual rehabilitation services received, evaluation of services received, and recommendations for improving services.

RESULTS

The majority of participants reported receiving some type of sexual rehabilitation services, but many reported dissatisfaction with the quality and quantity of sexuality-related services received. A complex interplay of factors such as age, gender, severity of injury, time since injury, mood, sexual experience before injury, and marital status seemed to influence the participants' needs, preferences, and readiness for these services.

CONCLUSION

The results provide information about how future services can be improved and what benefits and limitations exist in the role of occupational therapy in sexual rehabilitation.