A nationwide survey of ET/WOC nurses regarding consultations related to sexual issues: consultation contents and nurses’advice

Abstract

　To investigate the current practices of Enterostomal Therapist / Wound, Ostomy, Continence（ET/WOC）nurses regarding sexuality-related consultations with people who have a stoma, a mailed self-administered survey was conducted among 560 ET/WOC nurses in 2008. Of the surveyed sample, 204（36.4%）responded（mean age 39.1 y.o.）. Of these respondents, 121（59.3%）had been consulted about sexual issues. The consultations were mostly from adult patients, and the numbers of consultations by partners or family members were extremely small. The contents of consultations included physical changes such as erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, and dyspareunia, as well as the possibility of recovery and treatment for those changes. The respondents were also consulted about practical advice when having sex, psychosocial problems such as changes in body image and partnership issues, and issues relating to pregnancy. Regarding the advice or support about sexual issues that the respondents usually provide in clinical practice, 97（47.5%）indicated at least one item of advice or support. These included giving practical tips when having sex, facilitation of patient-doctor communication, encouragement of consultation about sexual issues, active exploration of sexual problems by raising the topic occasionally, and so on. Those with a history of consultation had a greater tendency to suggest at least one item of advice or support（P=.004）. This study indicated that ET/WOC nurses have been consulted about various sexual issues in clinical practice. There is an urgent need to prepare educational materials and training opportunities for ET/WOC nurses so that the nurses can provide support for people with a stoma and their families in achieving more satisfactory sexual relationships after the creation of a stoma.