OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reach consensus among professional experts on patient information provision and support regarding sexual rehabilitation and vaginal dilator use after radiotherapy (RT) for gynecological cancers. METHODS: A 3-round online Delphi study was conducted among 10 radiation oncologists, 10 gynecologic oncologists, and 10 oncology nurses from 12 gynecological cancer centers providing RT for gynecological tumors. We assessed the desired content and provider of instructions and patient support regarding sexuality and vaginal dilator use. Responses were measured on a 7-point scale varying from "totally disagree" to "totally agree." Consensus was reached when 70% of participants' answers fell within 2 scale categories with an interquartile range less than or equal to 1. RESULTS: The panel agreed that information about sexual rehabilitation using vaginal dilators should be provided by radiation oncologists before treatment. Information should always be provided to sexually active cervical and vaginal cancer patients younger than 70 years. Tailored information was recommended for vulvar and endometrial cancer patients, patients older than 70 years, and sexually inactive patients. Preferably, specifically trained oncology nurses should give psychological and practical support. Participants recommended vaginal dilation to prevent vaginal adhesions, tightening, and shortening. The panel advised to start dilation around 4 weeks after treatment to perform dilation 2 to 3 times a week for 1 to 3 minutes and to continue dilation for 9 to 12 months. Plastic dilator sets were considered the most suitable type of dilator. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus was reached on patient information provision and support during sexual rehabilitation after RT for gynecological cancers. Results were used to develop a sexual rehabilitation intervention.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reach consensus among professional experts on patient information provision and support regarding sexual rehabilitation and vaginal dilator use after radiotherapy (RT) for gynecological cancers. METHODS: A 3-round online Delphi study was conducted among 10 radiation oncologists, 10 gynecologic oncologists, and 10 oncology nurses from 12 gynecological cancer centers providing RT for gynecological tumors. We assessed the desired content and provider of instructions and patient support regarding sexuality and vaginal dilator use. Responses were measured on a 7-point scale varying from "totally disagree" to "totally agree." Consensus was reached when 70% of participants' answers fell within 2 scale categories with an interquartile range less than or equal to 1. RESULTS: The panel agreed that information about sexual rehabilitation using vaginal dilators should be provided by radiation oncologists before treatment. Information should always be provided to sexually active cervical and vaginal cancerpatients younger than 70 years. Tailored information was recommended for vulvar and endometrial cancerpatients, patients older than 70 years, and sexually inactive patients. Preferably, specifically trained oncology nurses should give psychological and practical support. Participants recommended vaginal dilation to prevent vaginal adhesions, tightening, and shortening. The panel advised to start dilation around 4 weeks after treatment to perform dilation 2 to 3 times a week for 1 to 3 minutes and to continue dilation for 9 to 12 months. Plastic dilator sets were considered the most suitable type of dilator. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus was reached on patient information provision and support during sexual rehabilitation after RT for gynecological cancers. Results were used to develop a sexual rehabilitation intervention.
Authors: Stacy Tessler Lindau; Emily M Abramsohn; Shirley R Baron; Judith Florendo; Hope K Haefner; Anuja Jhingran; Vanessa Kennedy; Mukta K Krane; David M Kushner; Jennifer McComb; Diane F Merritt; Julie E Park; Amy Siston; Margaret Straub; Lauren Streicher Journal: CA Cancer J Clin Date: 2016-01-19 Impact factor: 508.702
Authors: Hans-Georg Schnürch; Sven Ackermann; Celine D Alt-Radtke; Lukas Angleitner; Jana Barinoff; Matthias W Beckmann; Carsten Böing; Christian Dannecker; Tanja Fehm; Rüdiger Gaase; Paul Gass; Marion Gebhardt; Friederike Gieseking; Andreas Günthert; Carolin C Hack; Peer Hantschmann; Lars Christian Horn; Martin C Koch; Anne Letsch; Peter Mallmann; Bernhard Mangold; Simone Marnitz; Grit Mehlhorn; Kerstin Paradies; Michael J Reinhardt; Reina Tholen; Uwe Torsten; Wolfgang Weikel; Linn Wölber; Monika Hampl Journal: Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd Date: 2019-07-16 Impact factor: 2.915
Authors: John M Stahl; Jack M Qian; Christopher J Tien; David J Carlson; Zhe Chen; Elena S Ratner; Henry S Park; Shari Damast Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2018-09-05 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: R M Bakker; J W M Mens; H E de Groot; C C Tuijnman-Raasveld; C Braat; W C P Hompus; J G M Poelman; M S Laman; L A Velema; C D de Kroon; H C van Doorn; C L Creutzberg; M M Ter Kuile Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2016-10-27 Impact factor: 3.603