Talk Description
299R - Research Paper
Abstract
Aim:
This study aimed to identify renal nurse’s attitudes towards providing sexual healthcare and determine levels of confidence in discussing sexual dysfunction with people who are receiving haemodialysis
Method:
Using a cross-sectional design, renal nurse members of the Renal Society of Australasia completed an anonymous, online survey. The survey included demographic items and instruments designed to measure nurses’ attitudes and confidence towards discussing sexual dysfunction. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric techniques.
Results:
Overall, most renal nurses were confident (n = 30, 42.9%) and had positive attitudes (n = 54, 77.2%) towards discussing sexual health concerns with patients although they rarely did so (n = 45, 64.4%). Male nurses reported having significantly higher levels of confidence in communication (p <.05) and confidence in practical knowledge (p <.05) compared to female nurses. However, many nurses indicated that they were less likely to discuss sexual concerns with older people (n = 55, 78.6%) compared to younger people (n = 30, 42.9%). A lack of practical training, lack of time, and patients’ culture, religion, language, and ethnicity were identified as barriers to discussing sexual concerns.
Conclusion:
Renal nurses have a key role in providing care to people receiving haemodialysis where discussions about sexual concerns should be occurring, however many nurses still struggle to do so. This may lead to sexual health matters being overlooked or not addressed at all.
Abstract
Aim:
This study aimed to identify renal nurse’s attitudes towards providing sexual healthcare and determine levels of confidence in discussing sexual dysfunction with people who are receiving haemodialysis
Method:
Using a cross-sectional design, renal nurse members of the Renal Society of Australasia completed an anonymous, online survey. The survey included demographic items and instruments designed to measure nurses’ attitudes and confidence towards discussing sexual dysfunction. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric techniques.
Results:
Overall, most renal nurses were confident (n = 30, 42.9%) and had positive attitudes (n = 54, 77.2%) towards discussing sexual health concerns with patients although they rarely did so (n = 45, 64.4%). Male nurses reported having significantly higher levels of confidence in communication (p <.05) and confidence in practical knowledge (p <.05) compared to female nurses. However, many nurses indicated that they were less likely to discuss sexual concerns with older people (n = 55, 78.6%) compared to younger people (n = 30, 42.9%). A lack of practical training, lack of time, and patients’ culture, religion, language, and ethnicity were identified as barriers to discussing sexual concerns.
Conclusion:
Renal nurses have a key role in providing care to people receiving haemodialysis where discussions about sexual concerns should be occurring, however many nurses still struggle to do so. This may lead to sexual health matters being overlooked or not addressed at all.