Sue Malta1, Jane Hocking2, Jenni Lyne3, Declan McGavin3, Jesse Hunter3, Adrian Bickerstaffe4, Meredith Temple-Smith5. 1. PhD, Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne and Social Gerontology Division, National Ageing Research Institute, Vic. susan.malta@unimelb.edu.au 2. PhD, Head, Sexual Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Vic 3. MD, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Vic 4. PhD, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Vic 5. PhD, Director of Research Training, Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Vic
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Research suggests that older patients want to talk about sexual health, but are reluctant to initiate these discussions with health practitioners. Little is known of the practitioners’ perspectives. The objective of this study was to explore health practitioners’ knowledge of and attitudes towards management of sexual health among older patients. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 general practitioners (GPs) and six practice nurses in rural/metropolitan general practices in March to June 2017 in Victoria, Australia. RESULTS: Most GPs believed it was appropriate to discuss sexual health with older patients but did not routinely do so. Common barriers included age and gender discordance between GP and patient, complexity of patient comorbidities and patient–doctor relationships. Practice nurses identified the limitations of their role as a barrier, although some nurses initiated discussions during health assessments. DISCUSSION: Health practitioners generally believed the responsibility for initiation of sexual health discussions rested with patients, but understood patients’ reluctance. They saw the need for an intervention to assist in such discussions.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Research suggests that older patients want to talk about sexual health, but are reluctant to initiate these discussions with health practitioners. Little is known of the practitioners’ perspectives. The objective of this study was to explore health practitioners’ knowledge of and attitudes towards management of sexual health among older patients. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 general practitioners (GPs) and six practice nurses in rural/metropolitan general practices in March to June 2017 in Victoria, Australia. RESULTS: Most GPs believed it was appropriate to discuss sexual health with older patients but did not routinely do so. Common barriers included age and gender discordance between GP and patient, complexity of patient comorbidities and patient–doctor relationships. Practice nurses identified the limitations of their role as a barrier, although some nurses initiated discussions during health assessments. DISCUSSION: Health practitioners generally believed the responsibility for initiation of sexual health discussions rested with patients, but understood patients’ reluctance. They saw the need for an intervention to assist in such discussions.
Authors: Helena Harder; Rachel M L Starkings; Lesley J Fallowfield; Usha Menon; Ian J Jacobs; Valerie A Jenkins Journal: Menopause Date: 2019-10 Impact factor: 2.953