A Multidisciplinary Approach to Sexual and Fertility Rehabilitation: The Sexual Rehabilitation Framework

Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 2017 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2301-49 · Published: January 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Women's Health Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This paper introduces the Sexual Rehabilitation Framework (SRF) as a tool for health care professionals to address sexual and fertility concerns in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to consider the biopsychosocial aspects of sexuality. The SRF includes eight key areas: sexual drive/interest, sexual functioning, fertility and contraception, condition-related factors, motor and sensory influences, bladder and bowel influences, sexual self-view and self-esteem, and partnership issues. These areas help create a comprehensive care plan. The framework is designed to be user-friendly and can be used in both inpatient and outpatient settings, encouraging all disciplines involved in SCI rehabilitation to address sexual function as part of daily living, similar to other rehabilitation goals.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The Sexual Rehabilitation Framework (SRF) facilitates the examination of medical and psychosocial factors affecting sexual and reproductive function in individuals with SCI.
2
The SRF encourages a multidisciplinary team approach in sexual and fertility rehabilitation, promoting proactive and comprehensive care for individuals with SCI or other chronic disabilities.
3
The framework identifies key sexual areas needing attention and categorizes the severity of sexual issues based on the priorities of the individual, allowing for immediate actions and further investigations.

Research Summary

The article addresses the critical need for sexual and fertility rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), emphasizing its importance to their quality of life. It highlights that healthcare professionals often avoid the topic due to lack of knowledge, communication skills, and discomfort. The authors introduce the Sexual Rehabilitation Framework (SRF), a multidisciplinary tool designed to proactively address biopsychosocial aspects of sexuality in SCI patients. The SRF includes eight key areas, such as sexual drive, functioning, fertility, and partnership issues, to create a comprehensive care plan. The article underscores the value of a team approach involving physicians, nurses, therapists, and social workers to provide comprehensive sexual health and reproductive care. It advocates for the integration of sexual and fertility issues into routine rehabilitation to improve the overall well-being of individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Improved patient care

The SRF provides a structured approach for healthcare professionals to address sexual and fertility concerns, leading to more comprehensive and patient-centered care.

Enhanced communication

The framework facilitates open communication about sexuality within the rehabilitation team and with patients, breaking down barriers and addressing unmet needs.

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Encourages teamwork among various disciplines to provide holistic care, ensuring that all aspects of sexual health are considered and addressed.

Study Limitations

1
The SRF is primarily medically based and may not fully account for past psychosocial history.
2
The framework's effectiveness depends on the availability of trained professionals and resources within the rehabilitation setting.
3
Patient preference for individual versus team assessments may affect the implementation of the SRF.

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