Purpose: Stroke can cause physical and emotional problems affecting sexual well-being; healthcare professionals (HCPs) are often uncomfortable discussing this topic with patients. We explored the perspectives of HCPs and stroke survivors about barriers to discussing sexual well-being poststroke.
Design: A mixed methodology was employed.
Methods: A postal survey of stroke survivors (n = 50), a focus group with HCPs on a stroke unit (n = 6), and a focus group with community-living stroke survivors (n = 6) were used in this study. Focus group data were analyzed thematically.
Findings: No patient surveyed (60% response rate) had discussed sexual well-being with an HCP. Focus groups revealed barriers on multiple levels: structural, HCP, patient, and professional-patient interface.
Conclusions: Healthcare professionals were poorly trained, adopted a passive role, and addressed sexual activity based on individual beliefs rather than having an agreed team approach.
Clinical relevance: Relatively simple steps like inclusion in policy, training to empower HCPs, and the provision of written information for patients could help to improve practice.