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Sexual functioning as a topic in occupational therapy training: a survey of programs
M J Payne1, D L Greer, D E Corbin
1Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112.
Summary
Occupational therapy programs are increasingly recognizing patient sexual functioning as vital. However, curricula vary, indicating a transitional phase in sex education within the field.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Therapy Education
- Sexual Health in Healthcare
Background:
- Sex education is crucial for holistic patient care.
- Integrating sexual health into occupational therapy curricula is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current state of sex education in occupational therapy programs.
- To understand faculty perspectives on including sexual functioning in the curriculum.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to 67 occupational therapy university programs.
- Usable responses were received from 50 programs.
Main Results:
- A majority of programs consider patient sexual functioning an important practice domain.
- Significant variation exists in instructional time allocated to sexual functioning.
- A minority of respondents remain undecided or opposed to including this topic.
Conclusions:
- Occupational therapy education is in a transitional period regarding sex education.
- Further standardization and integration of sexual health content are needed.