Nurses' Perceived Limitations within Conversations about Sexual Health : A Literature Review

Abstract: Background: Sexual health is a fundamental determinant of health and wellbeing. Sexual interventions need to meet the same standard as any other health issues. Nurses have a responsibility to give patients holistic care and promote health. Helen Erickson’s Modeling and Role Modeling theory describe five goals that nurses can use to provide safe care for patients.  Aim: The aim of this literature review was to describe nurses’ experiences of conversations with patients about sexual health.  Method: Qualitative literature review with a deductive approach. 13 articles were analyzed in relation to Erickson’s theory.  Results: The results were categorized by Erickson's five goals: build trust, promote positive orientation, promote patient’s control, promote and affirm patient’s strengths, and set mutual goals that are health-directed. Within these were subcategories outlining reasons why nurses avoid conversations about sexual health with patients, which included patient’s age or gender, nurses’ discomfort, lack of time or education, as well as uncertainty of whose responsibility it is to have sexual health discussions.  Conclusion: There are many different factors that inhibit the nurse from initiating conversations about sexual health with patients, and the nurse needs to be aware of these factors to avoid them and have health-promoting conversations with patients.