MenSH-IBD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A mixed methods study using co-production to develop an intervention to help nurses improve the assessment and care of the sexual health needs of men with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IRAS ID
334340
Contact name
Sara Ma
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
YORK AND SCARBOROUGH TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
This research aims to develop an intervention to help nurses improve the assessment and care of the sexual health needs of men with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This is a long-term digestive condition that is often diagnosed between the ages of 15-30 years. Patients often have bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, incontinence, and fatigue. When severe, the disease can lead to hospital admission and surgery. There is growing recognition that IBD can negatively affect sexual health and impact on patients' relationships and quality of life, but men’s needs have been neglected in research. Men report that their sexual health is rarely discussed at NHS IBD clinic appointments, and specialist information and support are lacking. In this study we will work with patients, their partners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop a nursing intervention that addresses this unmet need through information, assessment, and support.
This study consists of three main parts which have been labelled workstreams. In Workstream One we will identify how the sexual health of men with IBD is currently assessed and cared for in the NHS using three large scale surveys that will include; (1) NHS Trusts (2) Nurses (3) People with IBD.
In Workstream Two we will gather ideas on appropriate ways to improve the healthcare of men with IBD by conducting interviews with men with IBD and partners of men with IBD. We will also conduct focus groups with healthcare professionals to hear their ideas of how services can be improved.
In Workstream Three we will hold a series of workshops with patients and healthcare professionals to develop an intervention and consider how and why it could help patients.
The design of the study has been developed with a patient advisory group and input from IBD health professionals.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EE/0158
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion