Difficulties with relationships, intimacy and sexuality after stroke are common and frequently not addressed by health professionals (Low et al., 2022; Sansom et al., 2015; Stein et al., 2013). A 2020 national audit found only 24% of stroke survivors received information on sexuality post-stroke (Stroke Foundation, 2020).

Relationships, intimacy and sexuality after stroke, is aimed at all health professionals who work with stroke survivors and their partners. The goal of the module is to support health professionals to address sexuality after stroke. It includes several video-based role plays to demonstrate how this can be done as well as reflective tasks. The module also includes personal stories from three stroke survivors along with their suggestions on what health professionals should be doing and saying about this topic.

Learning objectives

• Learn what is meant by sexuality and how it may be impacted by stroke.
• Examine your values and beliefs related to sexuality and intimacy and how they can impact your interactions on this topic with stroke survivors.
• Be introduced to the PLiSSIT model of sexual rehabilitation (Annon, 1976).
• Identify how each stage of the PLiSSIT model can be applied in stroke rehabilitation.

Suggested citation:

Power, E., Lever, S. & McGrath, M. (2023). Relationships, intimacy and sexuality after stroke. [online] Available from https://informme.org.au/learning-modules/relationships-intimacy-and-sexuality-after-stroke

References

Low, MA., Power, E. & McGrath, M. (2022) Sexuality after stroke: Exploring knowledge, attitudes, comfort and behaviours of rehabilitation professionals, Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 65(2),101547, doi:/10.1016/j.rehab.2021.101547.

Sansom, J., Ng, L., Zhang, N., Khan, F., & Couldrick, L. (2015). Let's talk about sex: A pilot randomised controlled trial of a structured sexual rehabilitation programme in an Australian stroke cohort. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 22(1), 21-29. doi.org/10.12968/ijtr.2015.22.1.21

Stein, J., Hillinger, M., Clancy C., and Bishop, L. (2013) Sexuality after stroke: patient counseling preferences. Disability and Rehabilitation, 35(21), 1842-1847.doi.10.3109/09638288.2012.754953

Stroke Foundation. (2020). National Stroke Audit: Rehabilitation Services Report 2020. https://informme.org.au/media/drtlcbvp/rehab_strokeservicesreport_2020.pdf

Annon, J. S. (1976). The PLiSSIT Model: A Proposed Conceptual Scheme for the Behavioral Treatment of Sexual Problems. Journal of Sex Education and Therapy, 2(1), 1-15. doi:10.1080/01614576.1976.11074483