Abstract: SA-PO1121
Perspectives and Current Practices in the Provision of Sexual Health Support for People with CKD: A Survey of Canadian Health Care Providers
Session Information
- CKD: Patient-Oriented Care and Case Reports
October 26, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)
- 2302 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Clinical, Outcomes, and Trials
Authors
- Elliott, Meghan J., University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Love, Shannan, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Jassemi, Sabrina, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Sparkes, Dwight, Can-SOLVE CKD Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Dumanski, Sandi M., University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hemmelgarn, Brenda, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Mckeaveney, Clare, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Farragher, Janine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ahrenholz, Katie B., University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Crysdale, Gillian, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Verdin, Nancy, Can-SOLVE CKD Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Donald, Maoliosa, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Background
People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have identified sexual health as an important aspect of their wellbeing and kidney care. However, limited information is available to integrate sexual health support within multidisciplinary CKD care. We aimed to explore the perceptions, practices, and needs of healthcare providers in Canadian multidisciplinary CKD clinics related to sexual health support for individuals with non-dialysis CKD.
Methods
We administered an online survey to healthcare providers (i.e., nephrologists, nurses, allied health professionals) from multidisciplinary CKD clinics across Canada. The survey included questions related to providers’ understanding of sexual health, current practices, and perceived gaps in how patients’ sexual health is addressed in routine CKD care. We conducted semi-structured interviews with interested respondents to expand on survey responses. Data were analyzed descriptively for the survey and using content analysis for the qualitative data.
Results
Thirty nurses, 23 nephrologists, 8 allied health professionals, 5 managers, and 5 other team members (e.g., unit clerk) completed the survey between September and December 2023. Participants most commonly defined sexual health as physical symptoms related to sexual function, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy and fertility care. Most respondents reported not having any formal training in the area (80%) and having discussed sexual health with less than one quarter of their patients (71%). While respondents reported that sexual health was most often discussed when patients introduced the topic (39%), they indicated that less than one quarter of patients raised concerns during clinic visits (89%). Qualitative findings complemented survey results and elaborated on key barriers to integrating sexual health into routine care, including lack of knowledge, inadequate training, and time constraints.
Conclusion
We identified variability in sexual health definitions and care practices among healthcare providers from multidisciplinary CKD clinics. Identified barriers will inform strategies to enhance sexual health supports for individuals with CKD.