P-20

Background

Intimacy and sexuality is an important aspect of quality of life in older persons. However, communication about intimacy and sexuality is not part of routine practice in nursing homes. A nursing home in the Netherland changed its practice by initiating a task force, organized a symposium to create awareness and handed out folders during intake. Although professionals were more aware, it did not change practice patterns. Another intervention was proposed: an expert team of older persons and professionals that can be consulted on how to address intimacy and sexuality. The aim of the study was to explore whether an expert team may facilitate communication about intimacy and sexuality.

Methods

In this qualitative study, older persons (n=12), the client council (n=4) and professionals (n=6) were interviewed about their perspectives on the expert team. The interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. A deductive framework analysis was performed using Atlas.ti.

Results

The perspectives of older persons and professionals seemed contradictory. Professionals were reluctant to initiate the conversation and stated that trust was a prerequisite to talk about intimacy and sexuality. Professionals needed support, tools and guidelines. On the other hand, older persons expected that professionals initiate the conversation (e.g. during intake) and trust was not a prerequisite for this initial conversation. However, a personal connection is important if they have more personal questions. An expert team should include professionals of different disciplines. Older persons stated they did not have enough knowledge to participate in the team and privacy issues were addressed.

Preliminary conclusion and next step

An expert team may help professionals to initiate the conversation on intimacy and sexuality and should provide solutions for practical questions. However, it remained unclear whether older persons should participate in the expert team and how can we efficiently initiate expert teams within routine care.