Nurses experiences discussing sexuality with urinary catheter patients.

The aim of this article was to establish registered nurses experiences of discussing sexuality with urinary catheter patients. A urinary catheter is used to provide drainage for those people who are unable to drain their bladder independently. Urinary catheters can cause issues with sex, sexuality and body image. This is a qualitative research study using thematic concept analysis to review data. The study used semi‐structured interviews that were audio‐taped during 2015. Nine community nurses participated in this study. Four themes emerged: the importance of the nurse–patient relationship, peer support and role models, maintaining professionalism and lack of experience, training and knowledge. The nurses reported barriers that they felt discouraged them from discussing sexuality, such as their own lack of knowledge, discussing sexuality with older people, nurse embarrassment and causing patient embarrassment. Nurses at all levels were reluctant to discuss issues relating to a patients' sexuality, and they were often uncomfortable doing so. Further training is required for nurses in supporting urinary catheter patients with sexual quality of life. Nursing assessments that allow sexuality to be assessed as part of any holistic nursing assessment are needed in practice. More acknowledgement of older urinary catheter users' sexual quality of life is required by nurses. It is the responsibility of the nurse to address any issues relating to a patients' sexuality with a urinary catheter as part of holistic care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]