Sexuality in the context of physical rehabilitation as perceived by occupational therapists

Abstract

Introduction

One of the challenges for rehabilitation professionals is to discuss sexuality with their clients. The main objective of this study was to explore occupational therapists’ perceptions of the factors that influence their practice regarding the domain of sexuality, as well as the prioritization of these factors and the exploration of their needs.

Methodology

Descriptive qualitative study who took place in Montreal, Canada. Two focus groups were realized with seven occupational therapists working in outpatient setting in two different rehabilitation centers for physical disabilities. The focus group guide was based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). The verbatims were coded using QDA-Miner software and analyzed according to the principles of the Framework approach.

Results

The majority of participants were women (n = 6/7). Three main themes to answer the main objective emerged: (1) Occupational therapist’s intrinsic factors such as professional identity and knowledge/skills; (2) Contextual and process factors of practice, including assessment/analysis and human resources; (3) Client factors such as identity factors and capabilities. Several influencing factors that have a significant impact on practice have been prioritized, for instance, the perception of the skill level of occupational therapists, interdisciplinary collaboration, culture/language and openness of the client to the subject of sexuality. The needs related to the acquisition of knowledge/know-how, human resources and continuing education were raised by clinicians.

Conclusion

There is a need in developing training tools to support clinical practice and to overcome the many barriers encountered by occupational therapists regarding the domain of sexuality.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Addressing sexuality domain with their clients remains a challenge for occupational therapists working in outpatient physical disability rehabilitation.

• Several factors influence the practice of occupational therapists in the domain of sexuality, including occupational therapist’s intrinsic factors, their practice process, contextual factors and client-related factors.

• Improved interdisciplinary practice in sexuality is needed to ensure that sexuality is addressed and that there are referrals to the proper health professionals according to clients' needs.

• The availability of sexology resources is an important factor for occupational therapists addressing sexuality.

Keywords:

• Disability
• occupational therapy
• practices
• rehabilitation
• sexuality
• Canada

Ethical approval

Obtained from Research Ethic Board of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of greater Montreal (CRIR).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was realised with no specific funding support. AR was supported by a senior career award from the Quebec Research Agency – Health (FRQ-S).