A brief couples' workshop for improving sexual experiences after prostate cancer treatment: a feasibility study

Abstract

Purpose: The most difficult survivorship issue reported by prostate cancer patients is the dramatic changes in their sexual relationships. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a workshop designed to improve patients' and partners' sexual relationships.

Method: Participants attended one 3.5-h workshop. A total of three separate workshops were held over a 12-month period. Patients and partners complete the Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ) prior, 2 months following, and if couples registered early enough, 2 months before the workshop. Change scores were calculated.

Results: Over the three workshops, 77 participants attended. All targets were met for feasibility and acceptability. Patients and partners both demonstrated significant gains on the medical impact subscale of the SFQ, and partners also demonstrated significant gains in sexual interest, problems, and total sexual function.

Conclusions: The results suggest that attending one 3.5-h workshop that is offered every 4 months is feasible and acceptable to patients and their partners. Furthermore, the SFQ proves to be a sensitive assessment instrument of sexual function for patients and their partners.