1. AVAILABLE MEASUREMENT TOOLS OF SEXUALITY/SEXUAL NEEDS/INTIMACY IN END-OF-LIFE CLIENTS (PATIENTS) AND TERMINALLY ILL PERSONS.
- Author
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Chrastina, Jan and Kurucová, Radka
- Subjects
TERMINALLY ill ,HUMAN sexuality ,INTIMACY (Psychology) ,TERMINAL care ,PALLIATIVE treatment ,HOSPICE care - Abstract
The objective of the paper was to search for, analyse and describe available (selected) measuring and assessment tools (questionnaires), which specifically assess sexuality, sexual needs, sexual functioning, sexual dysfunctions and intimacy primarily in the target group of incurable patients, dying persons and recipients of palliative and hospice care. The research involved studies describing or directly using various assessment tools; these studies were searched for in relevant databases (SCOPUS, Web of Knowledge, ProQuest, Ebsco, etc.). For these studies, acceptance and rejection criteria were defined. It was revealed that the area of sexuality and intimacy is approached in various ways, often from the perspective of quality of life assessment. Both generic and specific tools were searched for. In addition to terminally ill patients (clients of palliative and hospice care), the target group also included patients with intellectual disability, multiple sclerosis, physical disability, burns, both women and men in specific situations (health- or life-related), etc. Sexuality in terminally ill and dying patients (in various settings - home or institutional) is largely determined especially by their sexuality prior to diagnosis, expectations in the area of intimate behaviour and sexuality, awareness of intimacy and sexuality (including its expression), and last but not least understanding and cooperation of the partners of the dying persons and healthcare professionals in an institutional environment. The need for intimacy is present until death, therefore, an opportunity to express own wishes and concerns in the area of own sexuality and intimacy should be a natural practice in every institution providing healthcare, social and palliative services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016