Relevance of the sexual function scale for Swedish occupational therapists and nurses : A qualitative study

Background: For human beings´ sexuality is a core characteristic and in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework sexuality is listed as an activity of daily living (ADL). Still, sexuality related issues are rarely investigated in occupational therapy and nursing. Aim: The aim was to investigate the relevance of the Quality of Sexual Function Scale (QSFS) for occupational therapists and nurses in Sweden. Methodology: Two Qualitative Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with occupational therapists and nurses with 8 participants was done online (March 2021), recorded, transcribed and analysed with a deductive content analysis.Results: The analyses revealed five main categories that described the relevance of the QSFS; outdated wordings, heteronormative per default and definition of sex, an educational tool, needed to refine laws and break taboos and a facilitator to work with sexual health. Overall, an instrument measuring sexual health was desired and well received by the participants, however the QSFS need to be revised to adapt to accurate vocabular and embrace diversity. A revised tool may facilitate to address questions about sexuality, intimacy and expressions that are fundamental aspects of a person’s wellbeing. However, questions about sexuality should be raised by staff as a natural part of their work, without a tool. Conclusion: The QSFS is not an optimized tool to assess the quality of sexual function and needs among patients. The tool requires further development. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on policies and praxis in work-places and health care educations to address patients’ sexual expressions and needs