title: Getting BETTER: breaking the ice and warming to the inclusion of sexuality in mental health nursing care.
abstract: Discussing sexual issues with consumers is considered a nursing role, yet it is commonly avoided. Research suggests that sexual issues and difficulties are particularly evident in mental health settings, and failure to address these issues represents a significant gap in care and treatment. Specific models for raising sexual issues have been used in oncology and cardiac care settings to assist clinicians. A descriptive, exploratory study was conducted with mental health nurses from Queensland, Australia. The aim of this research was to explore whether a specific model, the BETTER model (bring up, explain, tell, time, educate, record) was useful in assisting mental health nurses in raising the topic of sexuality with consumers. In-depth interviews explored participants' attitudes and experiences of discussing sexuality. Participants were introduced to the BETTER model, and were asked to trial the approach with consumers. They were then interviewed a second time. Two main themes emerged: greater awareness and becoming part of practice. Participants described a transformation of their practice from one of avoiding issues of sexuality with consumers, to a position of inclusion, which became embedded within practice. Participants did not tend to use the model in a structured way, and it appears that knowledge and awareness were more useful than the model itself.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health and Social Science Research and School of Nursing and Midwifery, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD. chris.quinn@forensicare.vic.gov.au
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Quinn
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Happell
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000451:nursing; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D035502:Trust / Q000523:psychology