Communication about sexual problems in male patients with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the reasons given by a disability, assessment and rehabilitation team (DART) for perceived difficulties in discussing sexual problems with male patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to compare them with the views of a sample of patients.


METHODS
Data were gathered from a multidisciplinary team who were responsible for assessment and rehabilitation of patients with MS, using a focus group and semi-structured interviews with 11 male patients. Data were analysed thematically, with reference to Annon's (1976) model of communication.


RESULTS
Patients felt a need to discuss problems with sexual dysfunction, and would welcome the introduction of the topic in a straightforward way. Health professionals were worried about intrusiveness and lack of information and training. Team members and the patients indicated that nurses are the best people to deal with these issues.


CONCLUSIONS
Rehabilitation teams need training to deal with patients' sexual problems, and the nurse is likely to be identified as the specialist in this area.
Rubin
Rona
R
Department of Allied Health Professions, Canterbury Christ Church University College, Canterbury, Kent. rr1@cant.ac.uk
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003142:Communication; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024382:Professional Role; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D012752:Shame; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires