Sexual health (SH) is defined by the WHO as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. Caregivers are hesitant in initiating a conversation about SH and there is an embarrassment in their actions. Professionals often wait until the subject is brought up by the patient. They claim to have little time to discuss the issue. They do not always consider themselves capable of answering SH-related questions from the patient. In addition, there are stereotypes about ageing and sexual health, also known as ageism. Caregivers are not immune to this. This influences the realisation of holistic care for people over 65.
Research questions:
- What are the expectations of people over 65, nurses, midwives and occupational therapists when talking about SH?
- What problems do nurses, midwives and occupational therapists experience when using Sensoa's O4O-model?
- What gaps exist in the nursing, midwifery and occupational therapy training courses regarding communication on sexual health and how can this be improved?
Objectives:
- Mapping the needs and expectations of primary caregivers and people over 65 with regard to communication about SH;
- Testing the user-friendliness and possible problems when using O4O from Sensoa;
- Formulating recommendations for the wider deployability of O4O and for the curricula of the programmes involved.