Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sexual health is an important component of overall health. Yet, sexuality is often neglected in rehabilitation. Studies indicate that typically clinicians do not address the sexual health concerns of patients because of lack of adequate training, comfort, and knowledge in this area. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this initiative was to develop and implement an e-learning module to address the current gap in rehabilitation practice. METHODS: In 2021, an interdisciplinary team of rehab clinicians worked with an Instructional Designer based at Parkwood Institute to develop e-Learning modules aimed to introduce rehab teams to sexual health rehab and application to practice. The modules were launched at Parkwood Institute in January 2022 and were compulsory education for all rehabilitation staff in Spinal Cord, Acquired Brain Injury and Stroke programs. They were subsequently launched more broadly at Vancouver Coastal Health in March 2022. Surveys were conducted to assess the impact of the modules on clinical application. RESULTS: To date,186/209 (89%) of rehabilitation staff at Parkwood Institute and a total of 55 clinicians from Vancouver Coastal Health have completed the modules. Preliminary results show improvement in confidence, knowledge, and ability to address the sexual health needs of rehabilitation patients. CONCLUSIONS: The e-Learning modules help fill the current practice gap and facilitate sustainability of sexual health practice in clinical settings. Accessible educational opportunities such as the e-modules are valuable tools in enhancing self-efficacy of staff when addressing sexual health concerns of patients.