Questionnaire for Oncological Medical Staff

Questionnaire for Oncological Medical Staff
For Medical Staff (Oncology Providers & Healthcare Professionals)
This questionnaire is part of a research initiative to improve how healthcare providers address intimacy and sexuality concerns in cancer care.

Your insights as a medical professional are invaluable in identifying challenges, barriers, and opportunities for better patient care.

By sharing your experiences and perspectives, you will help shape training programs designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and confidence to have these essential conversations.

Your participation is confidential, and your input will directly contribute to improving whole-patient care. Thank you!
1. Demographic Information
Your role (e.g., oncologist, nurse, social worker):*
Years of experience in oncology:
Have you had formal training in addressing sexuality and intimacy with patients?*

YesNoOther
Optional (but helpful): Please share more details
2. Questions About Patient Care
How often do patients bring up concerns about sexuality and intimacy during consultations?*

OftenOccasionallyRarelyNeverOther
Do you feel comfortable when patients bring up intimacy and sexuality concerns?*

YesNo
If not, what makes it difficult?
Do you feel comfortable initiating a conversation with patients about intimacy and sexuality concerns?*

YesNoIf not, what makes it difficult?
If not, what makes it difficult?
What resources, if any, do you currently use to guide conversations about sexuality and cancer?
Do you think discussions about sexuality and intimacy should be an integral part of patient care? Why or why not?
3. Training and Resource Needs
From your perspective, what topics should a training program cover to better help staff support patients’ sexuality and intimacy concerns? (Select all that apply)*

How cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, hormone therapy) affect sexual function and intimacyThe impact of hormone changes on libido, arousal, and sexual responseHow to initiate conversations about sexuality and intimacy with patients in a sensitive, non-judgmental wayAddressing body image concerns and self-esteem in patients navigating changes in their bodiesCommunicating with patients about sexual health in a way that is inclusive of diverse identities (e.g., LGBTQ+, different relationship structures)Providing practical guidance on solutions for sexual side effects (e.g., lubricants, vibrators, pelvic therapy, erectile aids)Supporting patients in discussing intimacy and sexuality with their partnersUnderstanding the emotional and psychological effects of cancer on sexuality and relationshipsRecognizing and addressing trauma-related concerns around sexuality and medical treatmentReferral pathways—knowing when and how to connect patients with sex therapists, intimacy coaches, or specialistsEthical considerations and professional boundaries when discussing intimacy with patientsCreating a safe and open space for patients to bring up sexuality concernsAddressing the unique needs of single patients versus partnered patientsProviding culturally competent care when discussing sexuality and intimacyI’m not sure what should be included, but I think training on this topic is necessaryOther (please specify)
How would you prefer to receive this training? (Select all that apply)*

In-person workshops/trainingsOnline coursesWritten materialsOther (please specify)
Are there barriers in your workplace that make it challenging to discuss sexuality with patients? If so, what are they? (Select all that apply)*

Lack of training or knowledge on how to address sexuality and intimacy concernsDiscomfort or uncertainty about how to bring up the topic with patientsFear of saying the wrong thing or offending a patientLimited time during appointments to have in-depth discussionsWorkplace culture does not encourage or prioritize conversations about sexual healthPatients rarely bring up intimacy concerns, so it doesn’t feel like a priorityUnclear policies or guidelines on discussing sexuality with patientsLack of resources or referral options for patients needing specialized supportConcern about crossing professional or ethical boundariesLanguage or cultural differences that make these conversations more complexDiscomfort from patients when the topic is mentionedA belief that sexuality and intimacy concerns should be handled by another specialistNo significant barriers—I feel comfortable discussing these concerns with patientsOther (please specify)
4. Feedback on Current Practices
Are there any moments in the patient care process where you feel discussions about sexuality and intimacy would naturally fit?*

YesNoMaybe
(Optional) Please share more details:
What do you think is the biggest gap in supporting patients regarding their intimacy and sexuality during their cancer journey? (Select all that apply)*

Lack of proactive discussions—patients are rarely asked about intimacy and sexuality concernsInsufficient training for medical providers on how to address sexual health with patientsLimited time during appointments to discuss these concerns in depthA lack of written or digital resources for patients about intimacy and sexuality during cancer treatmentFew or no referral options for specialized support (e.g., sex therapists, intimacy coaches, pelvic health specialists)Discomfort—both from providers and patients—when discussing sexuality and intimacyInadequate emotional and psychological support for body image and self-esteem issuesLack of inclusive discussions that consider diverse identities (e.g., LGBTQ+, different relationship structures, cultural backgrounds)Failure to address the unique intimacy concerns of single patients versus partnered patientsInsufficient information on practical solutions for managing sexual side effects (e.g., lubricants, erectile aids, pelvic therapy)No structured follow-up—patients are left to figure out these issues on their ownA general perception that sexuality and intimacy are not a priority in cancer careNothing—I think patients receive adequate support in this areaOther (please specify)
How could the healthcare system better support staff in addressing these topics with patients? (Select all that apply)*

Providing specialized training on discussing intimacy and sexuality with patientsIntegrating sexuality and intimacy discussions into standard patient care protocolsOffering clear guidelines and best practices for addressing sexual health concernsAllocating more time during appointments to discuss intimacy-related concernsCreating educational materials for both staff and patients to use as conversation startersNormalizing discussions about sexuality and intimacy as part of whole-person careProviding staff access to referral networks for specialists (e.g., sex therapists, pelvic floor specialists, intimacy coaches)Ensuring that sexuality and intimacy are included in survivorship and long-term care plansEncouraging a more open and supportive workplace culture around discussing sexual healthOffering staff support groups or peer discussions on navigating difficult patient conversationsAddressing provider discomfort by creating scripts or role-playing opportunities in trainingMaking resources available in multiple formats (e.g., print, digital, workshops) to fit different learning stylesEnsuring diverse and inclusive education that considers different genders, sexual orientations, and cultural perspectivesProviding funding or incentives for continued education on sexual health in cancer careI feel adequately supported in addressing these topicsOther (please specify)
Is there anything you feel we didn’t address in the questions above that is important to you?
Please share any final thoughts, ideas, suggestions, etc.
Should be Empty:

Questionnaire for Oncological Medical Staff

For Medical Staff (Oncology Providers & Healthcare Professionals)

1. Demographic Information

2. Questions About Patient Care

3. Training and Resource Needs

4. Feedback on Current Practices