Sexuality Support After Spinal Cord Injury: What is Provided in Australian Practice Settings?

This study aimed to understand the sexuality support that Australian health professionals provide to individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It also explored their perspectives on improvements needed to better address the sexuality needs of this population. The study found that while most health professionals had provided some form of sexuality support, it was rarely a routine part of their practice. Many felt that sexuality was not adequately addressed in their workplaces. The study identified several barriers to providing sexuality support, including stigma and a lack of training for health professionals. It suggests that increased training, a team-based approach, early initiation of conversations about sexuality, and the inclusion of significant others could improve support.

• 1
  85% of participants had provided sexuality support, but this was rarely routine.
• 2
  32% of participants felt sexuality was addressed ‘not well at all’ in their workplace.
• 3
  Commonly suggested strategies to improve practice included increasing sexuality training, utilizing a team approach, initiating the conversation of sexuality early, and consensual inclusion of significant others in sexuality support.