Effects of a Brief E-Learning Resource on Sexual Attitudes and Beliefs of Healthcare Professionals Working in Prostate Cancer Care: A Pilot Study

Eilís M. McCaughan, Carrie Flannagan, Kader Parahoo, Sharon L. Bingham, Nuala Brady, John Connaghan, Roma Maguire, Samantha Thompson, Suneil Jain, Michael Kirby and Seán R. O’Connor
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Eilís M. McCaughan: Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown BT37 0QB, UK
Carrie Flannagan: Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown BT37 0QB, UK
Kader Parahoo: Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown BT37 0QB, UK
Sharon L. Bingham: Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown BT37 0QB, UK
Nuala Brady: Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Antrim BT41 2RL, UK
John Connaghan: Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G11 XH, UK
Roma Maguire: Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G11 XH, UK
Samantha Thompson: Urology Department, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast BT9 7AB, UK
Suneil Jain: Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
Michael Kirby: Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, London AL10 9AB, UK
Seán R. O’Connor: Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-11

Abstract: Sexual issues and treatment side effects are not routinely discussed with men receiving treatment for prostate cancer, and support to address these concerns is not consistent across settings. This study evaluates a brief e-learning resource designed to improve sexual wellbeing support and examine its effects on healthcare professionals’ sexual attitudes and beliefs. Healthcare professionals ( n = 44) completed an online questionnaire at baseline which included a modified 12-item sexual attitudes and beliefs survey (SABS). Follow-up questionnaires were completed immediately after the e-learning and at 4 weeks. Data were analysed using one-way, repeat measures ANOVAs to assess change in attitudes and beliefs over time. Significant improvements were observed at follow-up for a number of survey statements including ‘knowledge and understanding’, ‘confidence in discussing sexual wellbeing’ and the extent to which participants felt ‘equipped with the language to initiate conversations’. The resource was seen as concise, relevant to practice and as providing useful information on potential side effects of treatment. In brief, e-learning has potential to address barriers to sexual wellbeing communication and promote delivery of support for prostate cancer survivors. Practical methods and resources should be included with these interventions to support implementation of learning and long-term changes in clinical behaviour.

Keywords: sexual wellbeing; prostate cancer; e-learning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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