title: Importance of sexual needs assessment in palliative care.
abstract: Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of being human. Guidance states that to support and improve the lives of adults with life-limiting illness, health professionals must address care in the social, psychological, spiritual and physical domains, yet no mention is made of the sexual domain. Palliative care aims to be holistic yet evidence suggests that sexuality is often overlooked when assessing care needs. This literature review will identify the issues that prevent sexual needs assessment in palliative care.
authors.affiliation: Kirkwood Hospice, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Blagbrough
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003144:Communication Barriers; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000941:ethics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D011788:Quality of Life; D019529:Sexuality / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support