A qualitative analysis of female patient perspectives on physician communication regarding sexual dysfunction associated with pelvic radiotherapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sexual dysfunction is a known side effect of pelvic radiotherapy, resulting from a complex intersection of physiologic and psychosocial factors. Maintaining sexual function is relevant to long-term quality of life and is an important aspect of survivorship. Many female patients report being insufficiently informed before treatment about the potential sexual side effects of radiation therapy.

Aim

To elucidate how radiation oncologists communicate sexual function side effects with their female patients and how discussing sexual side effects of cancer treatment can positively affect patient-physician rapport.

Methods

Semistructured interviews in English and Spanish were conducted with 20 female participants who received pelvic radiation as part of their cancer

SUBMITTER: Morgan O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10230644 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature