title: Sexual health: case study of a patient who has undergone stoma formation.
abstract: Studies have identified that following stoma-forming surgery, 69% of patients have sexual health concerns (Van-de-Weil et al, 1991). However, studies suggest that this is an area of care that is frequently omitted by stoma care nurses (Borwell, 1997). By focusing this case study on the experiences of a patient cared for by the author, this article aims to identify patients' needs with regards to sexual health care following stoma-forming surgery. The author suggests that greater training on sexual health care should be provided for nurses. Nurses should discuss sexual health needs more openly with their colleagues to improve their skills, and with patients, so that patients are aware that sexual health is an area of value and that their concerns can be discussed and appropriately addressed.
authors.affiliation: Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, East Sussex.
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003125:Colostomy / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D012736:Sex Education / Q000379:methods*