What are the deep rooted factors that inhibit, moderate or facilitate the social process of discussing sexuality with patients who are experiencing changes to their sexuality after a stroke?

Abstract

Purpose: Changes to sexuality can be profound, complex and far reaching. However, the evidence shows that this is often overlooked during the rehabilitation process often in the face of a 'good recovery', cognitively and physically speaking. It can also be suggested that this lack of support is due to the personal inhibitions of nurses working with post-stroke patients at the interface of care. This research proposes to explore, identify and explain the underpinning reasoning behind this gap in the provision of care. Methodology: Grounded theory methodology in Straussian form will be adopted in order to explore further the inhibiting, moderating and facilitating factors of the social process at work during discussion between nurses and post-stroke patients. This methodology outlines particular guidelines for sampling, data collection and data analysis. Emerging theory will guide theoretical sampling, due to the nature of this technique, sample size will not be known until the end of the study. In-depth interviews will be utilised as the method of data collection, these will be largely unstructured to allow for maximum flexibility. The analysis process is split into 3 key components: open coding, axial coding and selective coding. Use of memoing and constant comparison will facilitate this process. Conclusion: It is hoped that theory generated from this study will be substantive and unique and could be utilised to inform the generation of a psychosocial training framework for nurses working with post-stroke patients experiencing alterations to their sexuality. By identifying and giving meaning to the deep rooted social processes that inhibit essential care to be given person-centred care should be enhanced. Key Words: sexuality, complex, good recovery, grounded theory, Straussian, coding, memoing, constant comparison, psychosocial, social processes.