Barriers to addressing patient sexuality concerns across five areas of specialization.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the barriers to addressing patient sexuality across areas of specialization.


METHODS
A descriptive correlational design was used in this study.


METHODS
A convenience sample of nurses (N = 302) was recruited from a large Midwestern medical center.


METHODS
In this study, a survey using the Sexuality Attitudes and Beliefs Survey and a demographic questionnaire was conducted.


RESULTS
The number one barrier to addressing patient sexuality concerns across all areas of specialization was the nurses' perceptions that patients do not expect nurses to address their sexuality concerns. Other high-ranking barriers included a lack of comfort and confidence in addressing sexuality and failure to make time to discuss patient sexuality concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Educational programs with both general and specific content are needed to help nurses across areas of specialization overcome barriers to addressing patient sexuality concerns. In addition, clinical nurse specialists are challenged to think of ways in which their practice competencies might be used creatively to overcome barriers to addressing patient sexuality concerns and promote the sexual health of individuals and groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed to determine whether the assumption that patients do not expect nurses to address sexuality concerns matches the reality of patients' expectations.
Magnan
Morris A
MA
School of Nursing, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA. magnan@oakland.edu
Reynolds
Kathleen
K
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003479:Curriculum; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology; D013041:Specialties, Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires