Article

Research indicates that although 50-60% of people who have had a
traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience changes in sexual functioning, sexuality
issues remain largely unaddressed in rehabilitation.
This study aimed to explore
rehabilitation professionals' perceptions and experiences of discussing sexuality
with service-users who have had a TBI. METHOD: Purposeful sampling was used to
recruit 24 participants from two local National Health Service trusts and from a
national charity. Four focus groups were conducted with pre-existing groups of
professionals, using a semi-structured interview schedule. Focus group data were
transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Six main
themes were derived from the analysis: (1) sexuality after TBI is a specialist
issue; (2) sexuality is a sensitive subject; (3) practicalities of discussing
sexuality; (4) roles and responsibilities; (5) dilemmas about risk and
vulnerabilities; and (6) organisational and structural issues. CONCLUSIONS: Our
findings suggest that a more proactive approach to addressing sexuality issues be
taken by incorporating sexuality into assessments and by having sexuality
information available for service-users. Support for professionals is also needed
in the form of the development of policy, on-going training and supervision.
Implications for Rehabilitation Rehabilitation professionals find it difficult to
deal with issues of sexuality following TBI, and the reasons for this are complex
and interrelated. To provide holistic care, a more proactive approach to
addressing sexuality issues should be taken. Professionals do not need to be an
expert in sexual issues to open dialogue. Sexuality discussions should be
incorporated into assessments, and written information should be available for
service-users. Further training for professionals and organisational policy
change is sometimes required to effectively deal with sexuality issues.

Langue : ANGLAIS