Healthcare providers' experiences in providing sexual health care to breast cancer survivors: A mixed‐methods systematic review

Abstract

Aims

To analyse healthcare providers' (HCPs) experiences in sexual health care through the mixed-methods systematic review (MMSR).

Background

Sexual health for breast cancer survivors (BCSs) is becoming increasingly important as survivors live longer. HCPs are critical in providing sexual health care.

Design

A mixed-methods systematic review.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted in databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov and reference lists were searched from inception to 30 December 2022. Two independent reviewers extracted and analysed the data using the JBI guidelines for MMSR.

Results

After screening for 2849 citations, 19 studies were eligible for MMSR, involving 2068 HCPs. Most HCPs believe that sexual health care is their responsibility. However, sexual health was not adequately addressed. A lack of knowledge was the most significant barrier to providing sexual health care. Moreover, HCPs would like to acquire more knowledge and felt that current sexual healthcare training was inadequate.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that HCPs did not frequently address sexual health in BCSs and that lack of knowledge was the most common barrier. Healthcare session administrators should allocate resources for sexual healthcare training that offer multiple formats, accessible content and convenience. They should also be multifaceted and proactive, meet the diverse needs of BCS at different stages and focus on effective communication.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study highlights the importance of addressing sexual health in BCSs and the need for HCPs to receive training in this area. Training should be multifaceted, proactive and meet the diverse needs of BCSs at different stages, with a focus on effective communication. By addressing this issue, HCPs will be better equipped to support the sexual health needs of BCSs, ultimately improving their overall well-being and quality of life.

PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42022327018 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=327018).