Gynaecological cancer patients` experience with sexual counselling : A qualitative metasynthesis
Abstract
Background: Changes to sexuality can be one of the most difficult aspects of life following treatment for gynaecologic cancer. It is important to address gynaecological cancer survivors need for counselling on this matter and find out more on how they experience sexual counselling.
Aim: The purpose of this study is to explore gynaecological cancer patients` experience with sexual counselling.
Methods: Inspired by Sandelowski and Barroso a qualitative metasynthesis was conducted, based on a systematic literature search in CINAHL (EBSCO Host), MEDLINE (OvidSP) and Psycinfo (Ovid SP) during September 2017.
The findings were imported to NVivo 11 and the findings was analyzed and synthesizid into metasummaries and metasynthesis. Inclusion criteria were primary studies a) containing qualitative data, b) focusing on women’s experiences, c) including participants with a gynaecological cancer diagnosis who have experience with sexual counselling, e) and published in English or Nordic language.
Results: Five articles based on interviews with 89 women were included. The results were themed into three categories; the importance of timing, the importance of acknowledement and the importance of receiving sexual counselling.
Conclusion: Gynaecological cancer patiens need to be acknowledgeded by health care providers concerning their needs for counselling and information on sexual issues. Sexuality may not be the main concern at time of diagnose, however the women need to know about sexuality all along the timeline from diagnose to post-treatment. The findings of this study may provide guidance for healthcare professionals in their efforts to help these women adopt to a new life and to empower the women to maintain their sexual health.
Keywords: Female genital neoplasm, qualitative study, sex counselling, support, advice
Description
Master's thesis Clinical health sciences ME520 - University of Agder 2018