Development, implementation, and patient perspectives of the women’s integrative sexual health program: a program designed to address the sexual side effects of cancer treatment
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Authors
Seaborne, Lori A.
Peterson, Megan
Kushner, David M.
Sobecki, Janelle
Rash, Joanne K.
Issue Date
2021-01-01
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Development , Implementation , Patient Perspectives , Women’s Integrative Sexual Health Program , Sexual Side Effects , Cancer Treatment
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background:
Advanced practitioners (APs) are a growing demographic in survivorship care. One goal of survivorship care is to manage consequences of cancer treatments. Sexual dysfunction from prior therapies can impact quality of life. Advanced practitioners are perfectly poised to provide care for sexual problems. This article will describe the development and implementation of the Women’s Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) program by APs within a comprehensive cancer center and describe patient perspectives of care provided.
Methods:
Two physician assistants working in gynecologic oncology at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center implemented a program to address sexual side effects of cancer treatment. An online survey was sent out to all patients seen in the WISH program since inception.
Results:
Between November 2013 and July 2019, 228 patients were seen in the WISH program. A total of 113 women responded (median age: 53 years, range: 31–77; 68% postmenopausal; response rate: 53.8%). Most had breast (57%) or gynecologic (32%) cancers. When asked how helpful the WISH program was, 88% reported that it was at least somewhat helpful. Almost all (95%) reported they would recommend the WISH program to other women.
Conclusion:
The WISH program enhances comprehensive survivorship care of female cancer survivors. Women report they benefit from care for sexual issues after cancer treatments. Advanced practitioners working in oncology are uniquely positioned to educate themselves, take leadership roles in the development and implementation of programs, and provide care to women affected by sexual side effects after cancer.
Description
Citation
Seaborne, L. A., Peterson, M., Kushner, D. M., Sobecki, J., & Rash, J. K. (2021). Development, Implementation, and Patient Perspectives of the Women's Integrative Sexual Health Program: A Program Designed to Address the Sexual Side Effects of Cancer Treatment. Journal of the advanced practitioner in oncology, 12(1), 32–38. https://doi.org/10.6004/jadpro.2021.12.1.3
Publisher
Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology