Feasibility and acceptability of an education and training e-resource to support the sexuality, intimacy and relationship needs of older care home residents: a mixed methods study

Background

sexuality, intimacy and relationship needs are often a neglected aspect of the care of older adults in residential care facilities. Improving awareness, knowledge and improving attitudes about these needs among care staff could enhance quality of care and lead to better outcomes for residents.

Objective

to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a co-designed education and training e-resource to help care staff support their residents’ sexuality, intimacy and relationship needs.

Methods

we delivered the education and training e-resource to five UK care homes over a 6-month period in a pre-post mixed methods study using surveys, focus groups and individual interviews.

Results

fifty-nine members of staff from participating care homes undertook the education and training e-resource. 18/59 (31%) of participants completed all six modules and the pre-post surveys. Eleven participants participated in focus groups/interviews to explore experiences of using the e-resource. The e-resource was successfully implemented in the study homes and found to be acceptable. We found preliminary evidence of positive changes in staff attitudes. Factors that facilitated implementation included support from the care home manager. Barriers identified included IT infrastructure and technology.

Conclusions

the findings provide initial evidence that a co-designed education and training e-resource raised awareness of, and improved attitudes towards, older adults’ sexuality and intimacy needs. This work provides the foundation for a next phase to establish the effectiveness of the e-resource on staff practice and resident outcomes.