22Patients experiences of participating in a sexual rehabilitation program after heart disease

Abstract

Background/Introduction: In the health care system patients are important stakeholders, and their experience and knowledge is essential to include when evaluating rehabilitation programs. Patient experiences with participating in sexual rehabilitation for cardiovascular patients have not yet been investigated. Purpose: The purpose was to explore the lived experience of participating in a non‐pharmacologic sexual rehabilitation programme Methods: Ten qualitative interviews were conducted with male patients from a randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of a 12 week rehabilitation program focusing on sexuality. The analysis was inspired by Poul Ricoeur's theory of interpretation. Analysis consisted of three levels: (1) naive reading, (2) structural analysis, (3) critical interpretation and discussion. The theoretical framework reflects aspects of behavioral theory of social cognitive theory developed by Albert Bandura, and his concept of self‐efficacy. Results: The findings are presented as themes extracted from the structural analysis and interpreted in the critical interpretation and express the way in which cardiovascular patients experience participating in a sexual rehabilitation program. Three themes were identified reflecting the intervention to be a special place of understanding, describing the intervention as a supporting atmosphere and finally expressing the intervention as empowering sexuality. Conclusions: Participating in the sexual rehabilitation program was experienced as efficient, valuable, motivating and safe, but dependent on a professional setting. The intervention developed participants self‐efficacy with regards to their sexual performance and relationship.