“Sexuality in Healthcare: Lack of Discussion and Knowledge for the General Population and Vulnerable Groups”

Sexuality is insufficiently discussed within general practitioner care, care for the disabled and youth care, concludes a study by the Rutgers expertise center, with potentially major consequences. For example, sexually transgressive behavior is too often not identified and sexuality is also related to health, the knowledge institute writes.

“There is therefore a lot of health gain to be achieved by discussing sexuality, both with regard to the general population and to people with chronic diseases and victims of sexual violence,” said Rutgers, who was commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport to conduct research into sexuality in healthcare. According to the agency, it is also important that healthcare workers do this proactively because it is often difficult for clients, patients or residents to do it on their own.

Knowledge

Among other things, healthcare workers lack knowledge. There is a lack of knowledge, especially when it comes to LGBTQIA+ people, people with a refugee background and people with a migration background. Focus groups also show that healthcare professionals need tools that are easier to find. Some of the professionals also indicate that they are not always aware of all interventions.

Financial constraints

It is also difficult for employees to discuss sexuality. It is sometimes seen as a private matter. Healthcare professionals are also faced with the dilemma of wanting to protect their patients, clients or residents, but thereby also limiting their sexual freedom and development. There are also financial restrictions. For example, there are very long waiting times for trans care and referrals to the sexologist and sex care are not reimbursed, according to Rutgers.

Accessibility

Rutgers advises investing in the conversation about sexuality and a positive approach to it. The accessibility of specialist care must also be improved and care organizations should formulate and propagate a vision on sexuality. This applies in particular to larger care organizations such as youth care or care for people with an intellectual disability.