Co-design development of recommendations for improving sexual wellbeing support for people affected by prostate cancer

Purpose To develop practical, evidence-based recommendations for improving sexual wellbeing support for people with prostate cancer (PCa).Methods We used a co-design approach that combined evidence reviews with stakeholder input in the Australian healthcare context. Our research included a scoping review, analysis of patient-reported outcomes, a survey on help-seeking behaviour, and interviews with both PCa survivors and healthcare professionals. These findings guided a stakeholder workshop involving consumers, clinicians, and researchers, where consensus recommendations were developed.Results Key recommendations included: expanding access to specialist nursing roles; strengthening multidisciplinary care by involving allied health professionals, counsellors, and sexologists; subsidising erectile dysfunction treatments and related services; improving healthcare professional training in sexual health; enhancing online information for consumers; and developing standardised guidelines for penile rehabilitation.Conclusion Meeting the sexual health needs of people after PCa requires coordinated action across clinical practice, health services, and policy. These co-designed recommendations provide guidance for policymakers, advocacy groups, professional bodies, and healthcare providers on ways to improve sexual wellbeing support.Implications for cancer survivors Putting these recommendations into practice would help ensure that people with PCa have better access to comprehensive sexual wellbeing care.