Patients' Perspectives and Advice on How to Discuss Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Sexual Health in Oncology Clinics.
Elizabeth Cathcart-Rake, Jennifer O'Connor, Jennifer L Ridgeway and 5 others
PMID 32212925WHAT IT FOUND
Cancer patients said providers rarely bring up sex, gender identity or sexual health.
They suggested first asking comfort level, using plain words, and building trust.
Key findings
01Patients reported that healthcare providers rarely initiated discussions of sex or sex-related topics.
02Four practical approaches emerged for how providers could broach these topics.
03Some patients did not agree these conversations were a priority within cancer care.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample was small and used convenience recruitment, so patients willing to be interviewed may have had strong feelings. The researchers did not know patients' sexual orientation or gender identity, so it is unclear whose perspectives shaped each theme. Participants came from oncology, gynecology, and a gender transition clinic, so it is unclear how much applies to cancer patients in oncology clinics. The interviews were conducted by a single investigator and coded by a small team.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that these patient suggestions have been tested and improve care. They are qualitative preferences from a small convenience sample, not evidence of effectiveness.