Addressing sexual function in adult burns victims: A multidisciplinary survey of current practice in UK burn units. Issue 4 (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hurley, Anna; King, Ian C.C.; Perry, Fiona M.; Dheansa, Baljit S.
• Is Part Of: Burns. Volume 48:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 926
• Page End: 931
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Burns -- Sexuality -- Sexual function -- Burn injury; Burns and scalds -- Periodicals; 617.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2021.08.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4179

Abstract

Highlights: Sexual function after burn injury is a problem that is commonly unaddressed in clinical practice. Burn care professionals feel sexual function is an important topic but feel underequipped to deal with it as an issue. Future information leaflets for patients as well as educational courses for professionals may help to tackle sexual dysfunction following burn injury. Abstract: Background: Burn injury was shown to affect a patient's sexuality. Cultural and social inhibitions may mean this topic is often overlooked. Aims: To assess current opinion and management strategies amongst UK burns care teams in relation to addressing sexual function after burn injuries. Method: An online questionnaire was circulated to all members of the British Burn Association. Results: The majority of UK burn care professionals reported that sexual function after burn injury was an important (79% of respondents) and unaddressed problem (85% of respondents) in current clinical practice. However, over 90% of professionals reported that they 'never' or 'only occasionally' ask patients about their sexual function concerns. Multiple different management strategies are employed by UK burns centers, with a number of respondents indicating no designated individual responsible for leading care in this area. Conclusions: Currently no standardized method is in common use to address sexual function concerns of adult burns victims. The authors suggest this topic may be included in future information leaflets for patients and in burns awareness courses for medical professionals.