Addressing Sex in Occupational Therapy: A Coconstructed Autoethnography

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Rehabilitation sciences
• Human sexuality

Background:

• Occupational therapy practitioners acknowledge sexuality as a meaningful occupation.
• There is a noted reluctance among practitioners to integrate clients' sexual concerns into therapeutic practice.
• Sexuality is often excluded from current rehabilitation models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how occupational therapy addresses clients' sexual concerns.
• To investigate the integration of sexuality into occupational therapy practice.
• To identify the role of occupational therapy in addressing sexual health within rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• A coconstructed autoethnographic approach was utilized.
• The study involved shared reflection between an occupational therapy practitioner and a consumer of services.
• Qualitative insights were generated through collaborative autoethnography.

Main Results:

• Sexuality is a core aspect of personal identity.
• Sexual activity carries potential health risks that should be considered.
• Rehabilitation settings frequently exclude discussions and interventions related to sexuality.
• Occupational therapy has a potential role in addressing clients' sexual concerns.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy should proactively address clients' sexual health and well-being.
• Integrating sexuality into occupational therapy practice is essential for holistic rehabilitation.
• Further exploration is needed to define the scope and methods for addressing sexuality in occupational therapy.