Title: Opportunity-Led Research Proposal: TrueNTH Sexual Health
Funder: Health and Social Care Research and Development Division (HSC R&D) of Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland

Abstract: Globally, there is evidence that psychosexual care and support for men and their partners receive is limited. Men are often reluctant to discuss sexual issues, in particular those that are personal. Among the reasons for this is the fear of embarrassment by both men and health professionals (HPs), lack of knowledge and skills of HPs to broach the topic and offer appropriate responses to patients’ psychosexual problems. Patients are often left in the dark about the possible psychosexual consequences of the different forms of treatment and do not know how, and where, to seek information and support to self-manage their condition. Also, HPs have limited time available to provide this support. The aim of this global collaborative project is to develop, implement and evaluate three ‘stand alone’, but related, support resource packages to maximise the psychosexual wellbeing of men with prostate cancer and their partners. These resources will have the capacity to be modified and adapted for global usage within countries which are part of TrueNTH International Network. These three support resources are: 1. A computer-based resource, in the form of an instrument, to support health professionals to engage, assess and signpost (EASI) men with prostate cancer and their partners. The EASI will be designed to be used on a desktop/laptop computer or a tablet by HPs during the pre-treatment consultation with the patient. The tool will enable meaningful engagement between the patient and the HP, thereby allowing an assessment of the patient’s sexual needs and a discussion of ways to address them. (R1) 2. An online training programme (foundation level) for HPs to equip them to engage with the patient on the sensitive issue of sexual health and how to address the psychosexual needs of their patients (including referring them to resource 3 (below). (R2) 3. A UK version of selected modules of the TrueNTH online US Sexual Recovery Programme for use by men and their partners in the UK. (R3) This will be available online to those referred to it by HPs, relevant organisations and charities. The development and implementation of these three support resources will ensure that ALL men receive (at least) a ‘minimally accepted sexual wellbeing service’, and that support for their psychosexual needs will be available at the first pre-treatment consultation and thereafter. It is also expected that one of the outcomes will be a positive change in HPs attitude, knowledge and, in particular, practice in relation to the provision of psychosexual care for men following a diagnosis of prostate cancer and their partners. As a result, it is also expected that men’s sexual issues will be better addressed. The satisfaction of HPs and men (and partners) with the use of the resources will also be evaluated. The project will last three years and work on all three resources will take place almost simultaneously. A total budget of £400 000 has been approved. The start date is September with staff appointed. The collaboration team to design, develop and deliver these resources including, BCH, University of Surrey, University of Southampton, QUB, University of Michigan & University of Toronto.


Research activity codes: 7.3 MANAGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING;7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND CHILDBIRTH;MENTAL HEALTH;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS