A model to support radiation therapists in facilitating sexual health counselling for patients with prostate cancer

Abstract

Background: The involvement of radiation therapists (RTTs) in providing supportive care for patients facing sexual health challenges during radiotherapy for prostate cancer remains inconsistent in radiation therapy settings and under-researched in the South African context. Aim: The aim was to develop a model framework to support the facilitation of men’s sexual health for patients with prostate cancer by leveraging the role of RTTs. Setting: This study was conducted in the radiation therapy departments of two academic hospitals in Gauteng, South Africa. Methods: A theory-generating design consisting of four steps was used to develop the model framework: (1) identifying, defining and classifying the central concepts, (2) constructing relationship statements, (3) describing the model and (4) evaluating the model. Results: The central concept drawn from the empirical findings is the facilitation of supportive care for men’s sexual health. A model was developed, described and evaluated. Conclusion: The model framework has the potential to improve the inclusion of conversations by RTTs on sexual health as part of routine care for patients receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Contribution: This article presents a model to promote patient counselling practices for RTTs that involve supportive care for men’s sexual health.