Developing interventions to address sexuality after stroke: Findings from a four-panel modified Delphi study.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Sexual Health

Background:

• Stroke significantly impacts survivors' sexuality, yet evidence-based interventions are scarce.
• Rehabilitation professionals require guidance for addressing sexual health post-stroke.
• Prioritizing sexual rehabilitation content is crucial for effective patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and prioritize essential content areas for sexual rehabilitation following stroke.
• To determine optimal approaches and delivery methods for sexual rehabilitation programs.
• To gather perspectives from stroke survivors, partners, clinicians, and researchers.

Main Methods:

• A two-step online Delphi method was employed.
• Involved stroke survivors, their partners, and rehabilitation clinicians/researchers.
• Utilized investigator-developed surveys to reach consensus on priorities.

Main Results:

• Consensus was reached on 18 core content areas for sexual rehabilitation.
• An additional 27 content areas were deemed moderately important.
• Strong agreement exists that sexual rehabilitation should occur in subacute and chronic phases.
• Face-to-face delivery by health professionals was the preferred method.

Conclusions:

• Survivor, partner, and clinician perspectives were synthesized.
• Findings will inform the development of a comprehensive sexuality rehabilitation program.
• This research provides a foundation for evidence-based sexual health interventions post-stroke.