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Patsakos EM, Backhaus S, Farris K, King M, Moreno JA, Neumann D, Sander A, Bayley MT. INTIMASY-TBI Guideline: Optimization of INTIMAcy, SexualitY, and Relationships Among Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2024; 39:395-407. [PMID: 39256160 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can negatively impact intimacy, relationships, and sexual functioning through changes in physical, endocrine, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional function. Without intervention, diminished intimacy and/or sexual functioning in individuals with TBI may persist. Although most health care professionals agree that sexuality and intimacy in relationships are significant concerns and should be addressed in rehabilitation, these concerns are not typically discussed during rehabilitation and discharge planning for people with TBI. To address this gap, an expert panel of North American clinicians and researchers convened to develop evidence-informed recommendations to assist clinicians in providing a framework and guidance on how clinicians can support individuals after TBI. METHODS A systematic search of multiple databases was conducted to identify relevant evidence published from 2010 to 2023. The INTIMASY-TBI Expert Panel developed recommendations for optimizing discussions and interventions related to intimacy and sexuality for people with TBI in rehabilitation and community-based programs. For each recommendation, the experts evaluated the evidence by examining the study design and quality to determine the level of evidence. RESULTS A total of 12 recommendations were developed that address the following topic areas: (1) interprofessional team training, (2) early education on the effects of TBI on intimacy, relationships, and sexuality, (3) creating individualized interventions, (4) education, assessment, and management of the causes of sexual dysfunction, and (5) providing written materials and relationship coaching to persons with TBI and their partners. Two recommendations were supported by Level A evidence, 1 was supported by Level B evidence, and 9 were supported by Level C (consensus of the INTIMASY-TBI Expert Panel) evidence. A decision algorithm was developed to assist clinicians in navigating through the recommendations. CONCLUSION The INTIMASY-TBI Guideline is one of the first comprehensive clinical practice guidelines to offer strategies to trained clinicians to discuss the physical, psychosocial, behavioral, and emotional aspects of intimacy and sexuality with persons with TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni M Patsakos
- Author Affiliations: Rehabilitation Sciences, Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario (Ms Patsakos and Dr Bayley); KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario (Ms Patsakos and Dr Bayley); Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana (Drs Backhaus and Neumann); Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Georgia (Ms Farris); Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, West Orange, New Jersey (Dr King); Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec (Dr Moreno); and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas (Dr Sander)
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Wright H, Walker-Clarke A, Drummond A, Kidd L, Yeates G, Williams D, McWilliams D, Clyne W, Clark CCT, Kimani P, Turner A. Self-directed versus peer-supported digital self-management programmes for mental and sexual wellbeing after acquired brain injury (HOPE4ABI): protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:194. [PMID: 38031132 PMCID: PMC10685616 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01421-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acquired brain injury (ABI) can lead to biopsychosocial changes such as depression, low self-esteem and fatigue. These changes can cause, and be caused by, sexual issues affecting relationships and wellbeing. Given the relationship between sexual wellbeing and mental health, it is feasible that supporting sexual wellbeing will benefit psychological wellbeing. However, neurorehabilitation is inconsistent and often fragmented across the UK, and psychological, sexual and social support are lacking. Research shows that self-management and peer-support programmes can improve quality of life, self-efficacy and psychological wellbeing after brain injury. This protocol describes a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a digital self-management programme to support mental and sexual wellbeing (known as HOPE4ABI), co-designed with and for people with ABI. METHODS This mixed-methods feasibility RCT has two parallel trial arms of the 8-week digital HOPE4ABI self-management programme. Eligibility criteria include age > 18 years, diagnosed or suspected ABI > 3 months prior to trial entry, access to an Internet-enabled device and ability to engage with the intervention. Referrals to the study website will be made via the National Health Service (NHS), social media and partnering organisations. Sixty eligible participants will be randomised at a ratio of 1:1 to peer-supported (n = 30) or self-directed (n = 30) HOPE4ABI programmes. Primary feasibility outcomes include recruitment and retention rates, engagement, adherence and usage. Secondary outcomes related to standardised measures of quality of life, sexual wellbeing and mental wellbeing. Participants and peer facilitators will be interviewed after the course to assess acceptability across both trial arms. DISCUSSION This feasibility trial data is not sufficiently powered for inferential statistical analyses but will provide evidence of the feasibility of a full RCT. Quantitative trial data will be analysed descriptively, and participant screening data representing age, ethnicity and gender will be presented as proportions at the group level. These data may indicate trends in reach to particular demographic groups that can inform future recruitment strategies to widen participation. Progression to a definitive trial will be justified if predetermined criteria are met, relating to recruitment, retention, engagement and acceptability. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN46988394 registered on March 1, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Wright
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, CV1 5FB, Coventry, England.
| | - Aimee Walker-Clarke
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, CV1 5FB, Coventry, England
| | - Avril Drummond
- Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, Nottingham, England
| | - Lisa Kidd
- School of Health & Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland
| | | | - Deborah Williams
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, CV1 5FB, Coventry, England
| | - David McWilliams
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, CV1 5FB, Coventry, England
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, England
| | - Wendy Clyne
- Peninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, Plymouth, England
| | - Cain C T Clark
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, CV1 5FB, Coventry, England
| | - Peter Kimani
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL, Coventry, England
| | - Andy Turner
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, CV1 5FB, Coventry, England
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Ek AS, Holmström C, Elmerstig E. Unmet Need for Sexual Rehabilitation after Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): A Cross-Sectional Study Concerning Sexual Activity, Sexual Relationships, and Sexual Rehabilitation after ABI. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11195-023-09788-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
AbstractIn relation to brain injury rehabilitation, research has stressed the importance of including sexuality issues due to increased risk for sexual dysfunctions after Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). This study aims to explore experiences after non-stroke ABI concerning individual and relational aspects of sexuality, received information about sexuality at rehabilitation, and gender differences. A postal nationwide survey was conducted in Sweden, 2018–2019. The sample included individuals who had participated in brain injury rehabilitation 2014–2016, response rate 40% (250/624). Among all participants 78% had resumed sexual activity, and there was a significant difference between males (84%, 118/140) and females (69%, 76/110, p = 0.004). Among all participants, 95% reported physical intimacy as important, 80% considered sex as important on an individual level, and 91% stated sexuality as important for the relationship (no gender differences). Significantly more females (52%) than males (22%) reported that they had tried sexual aids (p = 0.000), and more males (29%) than females (16%) reported that professionals addressed sexuality issues during brain injury rehabilitation (p = 0.024). However, only a few participants were offered specific sexual counseling during brain injury rehabilitation, such as individual counseling (3%), couples counseling (2%), and group counseling (3%). To conclude, the vast majority valued both individual and relational aspects of sex and sexuality highly, and more males than females had resumed sexual activity. Few had received information about sexuality after ABI, and even fewer females compared to males reported that the issue was raised during rehabilitation. Clinical implications are discussed in relation to sexual rehabilitation.
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Ek AS, Holmström C, Elmerstig E. Sexuality >1 year after brain injury rehabilitation: A cross-sectional study in Sweden. Brain Inj 2023; 37:34-46. [PMID: 36408962 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2145358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigates whether Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is associated with changes in sexual function and satisfaction and how such changes are experienced, focusing on invisible impairments after ABI. MATERIALS AND METHODS A study-specific questionnaire was distributed in 2018-2019. The sample included individuals aged 20-90 years diagnosed with ABI due to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), trauma, infection, or anoxia (ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage excluded), who participated in brain injury rehabilitation in Sweden, 2014-2016. Chi-square and Logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS The study consists of 250 participants (response rate was 40%). Among participants 78% (194/250) had resumed sexual life. Participants reporting sexual changes also experienced more consequences related to ABI. Those with decreased sexual desire (63%, 148/234) reported more ABI consequences, including decreased memory (86% vs 65%, p = 0.000), decreased concentration ability (82% vs 65%, p = 0.003), and increased tiredness (91% vs 70%, p = 0.000) compared to those with intact desire. Such consequences can be invisible to others. CONCLUSION Visible impairments are known to impact sexual functions and satisfaction after ABI. Our results show how invisible impairments also have a great impact. From a biopsychosocial perspective, these results imply that individuals should receive sexual rehabilitation, irrespective of ABI impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofie Ek
- Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Memory Disorders, and Geriatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö-Lund, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Holmström
- Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Eva Elmerstig
- Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
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Aterman S, Ghahari S, Kessler D. Characteristics of peer-based interventions for individuals with neurological conditions: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:344-375. [PMID: 35085058 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2028911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Peer-based interventions are increasingly popular and cost-effective therapeutic opportunities to support others experiencing similar life circumstances. However, little is known about the similarities and differences among peer-based interventions and their outcomes for people with neurological conditions. This scoping review aims to describe and compare the characteristics of existing peer-based interventions for adults with common neurological conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and Embase for research on peer-based interventions for individuals with brain injury, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and stroke up to June 2019. The search was updated in March 2021. Fifty-three of 2472 articles found were included. RESULTS Characteristics of peer-based intervention for this population vary significantly. They include individual and group-based formats delivered in-person, by telephone, or online. Content varied from structured education to tailored approaches. Participant outcomes included improved health, confidence, and self-management skills; however, these varied based on the intervention model. CONCLUSION Various peer-based interventions exist, each with its own definition of what it means to be a peer. Research using rigorous methodology is needed to determine the most effective interventions. Clear definitions of each program component are needed to better understand the outcomes and mechanism of action within each intervention.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONRehabilitation services can draw on various peer support interventions to add experiential knowledge and support based on shared experience to enhance outcomes.Fulfilling the role of peer mentor may be beneficial and could be encouraged as part of the rehabilitation process for people with SCI, TBI, Stroke, PD, or MS.In planning peer-based interventions for TBI, Stroke, SCI, PD, and MS populations, it is important to clearly define intervention components and evaluate outcomes to measure the impact of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Aterman
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Setareh Ghahari
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Dorothy Kessler
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
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Bryant C, Gustafsson L, Aplin T, Setchell J. Supporting sexuality after spinal cord injury: a scoping review of non-medical approaches. Disabil Rehabil 2021; 44:5669-5682. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1937339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Bryant
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Louise Gustafsson
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tammy Aplin
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- The Prince Charles Hospital, Allied Health Research Collaborative, Chermside, Australia
| | - Jenny Setchell
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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