Sexual wellbeing of patients with spinal cord injury : an approach from physiotherapist’s perspective

Abstract

Objectives : The purpose of the study was to explore the approach of physiotherapists to discuss about sexual wellbeing of patients with SCI. Try to find out the barriers and knowledge about sexual issue. Know about present service condition and training needs of physiotherapists to discuss about sexuality of patients with SCI. Methodology: Qualitative study design with face to face interview with purposive sampling and thematic analysis was done. Open-ended question in BENGALI was used for this study. Result : In this study found five themes. That are, Theme 1- Sexual education to patients is yet to prioritize by health care professional including physiotherapists. Theme 2- Sexual rehabilitation should be included as an essential part in SCI rehabilitation to ensure better life for patients. Theme 3- Privacy and proper environment is needed to establish sexual rehabilitation. Theme 4- Sex and sexuality education for patients should be placed in formal university curriculum.. Theme 5-Update staff training on sexual education will ensure comprehensive rehabilitation that could improve service. Discussion: Sexual wellbeing such a topic that physiotherapists do not work with this frequently but frequently raised by patients with SCI. Lack of update knowledge and proper training are working as barriers to discuss this issues. Beside this , change in internal structure of rehabilitation can improve service. Appropriate training and proper knowledge is needed for physiotherapists and also for new graduates . Conclusion : Staff training and basic knowledge on sexual education for patients is needed for physiotherapists who deal with the patients with SCI to improve professional skill. Along with this, addition this topic to curriculum can prepare the upcoming professional more competent to provide comprehensive service. Key word : Sexual wellbeing, Sexuality, Physiotherapist, SC