Article: Young, K., Dodington, A., Smith, C., & Heck, C. S. (2020). Addressing clients’ sexual health in occupational therapy practice. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 87(1), 52-62.
Study Aim:
The aim of this study was to reveal the current beliefs, comfort levels, and existing knowledge of Canadian occupational therapists and the barriers that influence the practice of addressing clients’ or patients’ sexual health concerns.
Key Findings:
- OTs believe that addressing sexual health is an appropriate domain of practice, but are not currently addressing it due to various reasons.
- OTs believe it is their lack of knowledge, rather than lack of comfort, limiting them from addressing clients’ sexuality during sessions.
- OTs often place the responsibility on the client to initiate conversations about sexual concerns.
- OTs stated that in some situations (e.g., early stage of recovery or end of life), practice contexts (acute care), or patient populations (e.g., minors), discussions about sexuality may not be appropriate and are not initiated.
- OTs could benefit from education and training opportunities specific to their practice context and patient population, and institutional supports to improve their practice in addressing clients’ sexual health.
Bottomline for OTs:
In neglecting conversations about sexuality, there is the potential for negative implications on an OT’s holistic care principle. Lack of knowledge may be the most significant barrier to addressing clients’ sexual health and the largest contributor to decreased comfort, confidence, and competence. Additional training and education, institutional practice guidelines, mentorship, and support from employers and team members would enable occupational therapists to address their clients’ sexual health.
Supporting Resource Links:
Sexual Health Clinics:
No comments:
Post a Comment