The Need for Skills Training to Address Sexual Health Issues in Cancer Patients

Although previous literature has examined the lack of confidence of oncologists to address sexual issues with cancer patients, few studies have examined the confidence of psychosocial professionals in this area. This needs assessment was designed to determine if there is an education gap between the need for skills to address sexual issues and the available training in this area for providers of supportive cancer services. We surveyed health care professionals (n = 101) from the American Psychosocial Oncology Society and the Association of Oncology Social Work. They completed an on-line questionnaire to determine interest, skill level, and available training in addressing sexual health issues. The respondents were: social workers (76%), psychologists (10%), nurses (7%), researchers (2%), and other occupations (7%). All worked with cancer patients in the following settings: general hospital (28%), NCI designated cancer center (22%), group oncology practice (17%), cancer hospital (10%), academic cancer center (5%), psychosocial practice (1%) and 16% did not report work setting. While 98% reported that sexual health was important to cancer survivors, only 17% reported that they had adequate training in sexual health interventions and only 24% reported they had confidence in their skills to address sexual issues with cancer patients. Ninety-five percent indicated that they were "motivated" to "extremely motivated" to attend a workshop in maximizing sexual health in cancer survivors. Psychosocial professionals see the need to address sexual health issues in cancer patients and are interested in training in this area. However, many report there is scarce available training and that they are not confident in their skills to address sexual health issues. Skills training programs that focus on sexual health should be developed and tested. Clinician should seek out skills training related to sexual health issues.