27 research outputs found
Parasexuality in genitourinary investigations: a qualitative study
Background: Genitourinary investigations are performed on a large proportion of middle-aged and older men and
the majority undergo investigations for prostate issues. The effects that genitourinary disease can have on men
depend on the type of problem, investigations required and treatment including impotence, gynaecomastia and
urinary incontinence that have lasting devastating physical, social and psychological effects.
The aim was to explore older men’s experience and views of intimate and intrusive genitourinary investigations
and specifically to develop hypotheses and theories concerning gender and sexuality issues in intimate
genitourinary investigations.
Methods: Written informed consent was obtained for this qualitative study. Data were collected through one-off,
semi-structured interviews involving 15 men in the first year following patient’s last urological procedure. Initially,
multiple themes were identified and when analysed further concepts were repeatedly present. As the urological
investigations were limited to men, gender and sexuality became prominent issues in the data.
Results: On analysis, the term parasexuality appeared to explain the dynamic of the situation. Parasexuality is a
modified form of sexuality which is channelled and limited to maintain propriety. This was not expressed as
sexuality in its overt, explicit sense, but instead a type of covert sexuality where professional boundaries are
maintained but nonetheless undercurrents remain. This managed version of sexuality created a common
currency by which interactions between staff and patients could take place safely.
Feeding into parasexuality were gender role stereotypes and for some of the participants this reflected their own
experience, context, historical and cultural norms. Intimate contact in the form of exposure and handling of the
participants' genitalia during the investigations particularly challenged the boundaries of parasexuality. In order
to remain parasexual, many of the participants suppressed their sexuality. Viewing staff as professional was an
additional strategy used by participants to limit any sexuality as parasexuality.
Conclusion: This study has contributed towards the appeal for more studies to examine privacy perceptions of
patients in genitalia-related care, however, it is by no means definitive.
Parasexuality goes some way to explain the dynamics of communication between older men and health care
professionals during genitourinary investigations
Developing clinical effectiveness
EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo
Developing clinical effectiveness
EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo
Termination of pregnancy : a review of psychological effects on women
Termination of pregnancy may have psychological consequences that are greater than its physical impact.Following a literature search and appraisal, this article explores some of the main themes arising from studies on the psychological impact. The results demonstrate that negative psychological eff
Abortion: implications for theatre staff
Abortion is controversial and often sparks polemic debate. Nevertheless, theatre staff need to know the different methods of abortion, to be aware of the current UK legal position and possible future directions. Theatre staff must be mindful of their own ethical and emotional position in order to play a vital role in making women attending for this surgery feel at ease during such an emotionally charged event
A review of termination of pregnancy: prevalent health care professional attitudes and ways of influencing them
Aim. To review the literature on attitudes of health care professionals to termination of pregnancy and draw out underlying themes. Background. The controversy surrounding therapeutic abortion is unremitting with public opinion often polemic and unyielding. Nurses and midwives are at the centre
Supporting the significant other in women undergoing abortion
Abortion remains an ethical, legal and professional challenge to nurses. In the last decade there have been many innovations in abortion care and nurses have developed woman-centred, responsive services. Despite this progress, the needs of significant others - particularly partners attending with women - have yet to be fully met. A significant other is encouraged to stay with the woman during certain parts of the procedure if it is a surgical abortion, or may remain with the woman continuously during a medical abortion. There are benefits in encouraging significant others to stay with the woman, including the provision of additional support during the procedure as well as health promotion opportunities. The nurse has a vital function in assisting them in their role, as it is essential that significant others are adequately prepared and supported throughout. Providing they are managed proactively, involving significant others in supporting the woman undergoing abortion is commended
Developing the reflexive dimension of reflection: a framework for debate
Reflexivity is defined and then explored as a meta-methodology for research as well as a means to stimulate professional development using reflection as a platform. Reflexivity is argued to be a deeper and broader dimension of reflection. A model of reflection, based on critical theory, is introduced to assist with the transition from reflection to reflexivity as the categories of the reflective model provide the foundation for the transition. Solutions are then outlined for the various challenges to reflexivity. A preliminary framework for undertaking reflexivity is introduced in an effort to guide novices in this ever-more necessary adjunct to research and professional development