Exploring healthcare professionals' views on acceptability of the eLearning resource "Maximising Sexual Wellbeing" for use in cancer care

Abstract
Background
The provision of healthcare professional (HP)-led sexual support in cancer care is lacking. Guidelines stipulate that HPs should lead on provision of sexual support; however HPs report considerable challenges addressing this topic. These include a lack of awareness around sexual concerns and strategies to help patients and partners cope, coupled with a lack of relevant training, access to support resources and signposting options. To address this evident gap, Maximising Sexual Wellbeing | Cancer Care eLearning resource (MSW|CC) was developed. Quantitative evaluation of the MSW|CC has demonstrated efficacy in reducing HPs attitudinal barriers to the
provision of sexual support.This qualitative study seeks to explore the mechanisms that may influence HP engagement with the MSW|CC, including any barriers and facilitators to integrating and embedding it as resource in routine cancer care.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted, aided by a topic guide, with HPs who had completed the MSW|CC and were providing routine cancer care in health and social care settings in Northern Ireland. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflective thematic analysis.

Results
Seventeen participants were interviewed and four key themes were identified. [1]MSW|CC raises HPs awareness of the need for holistic sexual support as part of routine clinical care, [2] MSC|CC prepares and equips HPs to provide sexual support in cancer care, MSW|CC is coherent, engaging and acceptable and [4] MSW|CC: How best to moving forward with implementation.

Conclusion
This research yielded important insights into HPs perspectives on the MSW|CC, lending explanation for previous high attrition rates as well as deeming the MSW|CC as an acceptable resource for use by HPs across cancer care.