Exploration of occupational therapists' comfort with client sexuality issues

Abstract

Sexuality is manifest in nearly every aspect of our daily behaviour and is crucial to self‐image. It follows, then, that issues of sexuality are important to consider when providing health care. When an individual experiences ill health, every aspect of that individual needs to be recognized and included in the overall intervention; this includes the client's sexuality. Literature indicates that clients' need for recognition of their sexuality within health care is not often met. Some writers suggest that this need is not being met partly because health professionals, including occupational therapists, are not comfortable with situations involving sexuality, due to a lack of knowledge, experience and positive attitudes. The purpose of this research was to explore these and other factors that might contribute to the comfort level of occupational therapists when they deal with situations involving sexuality. To explore this area, six clinical scenarios involving issues of sexuality were developed from the literature and the authors' experience. Occupational therapists and final year occupational therapy students were asked to review and comment on these situations. Analyses of this data together with data from a focus group, the authors' clinical education placements and informal interviews suggests that, in addition to knowledge, experience and attitudes, there are other factors worthy of further consideration. These factors include: the therapist's perception of his or her role and issues of power and control. This study highlights the need for further innovative inquiry into this interesting and important area.