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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01-12-2013 | Original Article

A brief couples' workshop for improving sexual experiences after prostate cancer treatment: a feasibility study

Authors: Amy J. D. Hampton, Lauren M. Walker, Andrea Beck, John W. Robinson

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 12/2013

Abstract

Purpose

The most difficult survivorship issue reported by prostate cancer patients is the dramatic changes in their sexual relationships. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a workshop designed to improve patients' and partners' sexual relationships.

Method

Participants attended one 3.5-h workshop. A total of three separate workshops were held over a 12-month period. Patients and partners complete the Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ) prior, 2 months following, and if couples registered early enough, 2 months before the workshop. Change scores were calculated.

Results

Over the three workshops, 77 participants attended. All targets were met for feasibility and acceptability. Patients and partners both demonstrated significant gains on the medical impact subscale of the SFQ, and partners also demonstrated significant gains in sexual interest, problems, and total sexual function.

Conclusions

The results suggest that attending one 3.5-h workshop that is offered every 4 months is feasible and acceptable to patients and their partners. Furthermore, the SFQ proves to be a sensitive assessment instrument of sexual function for patients and their partners.

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Title: A brief couples' workshop for improving sexual experiences after prostate cancer treatment: a feasibility study
Authors: Amy J. D. Hampton
Lauren M. Walker
Andrea Beck
John W. Robinson
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 12/2013
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-1922-4

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