Efficacy of Telenursing Counseling in Enhancing Sexual Function Among Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Treatment: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of telenursing counseling in improving the sexual function of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. SAMPLE & SETTING: 59 women undergoing outpatient treatment for breast cancer. METHODS & VARIABLES: Three telehealth counseling sessions were conducted in the intervention group during an eight-week period. The primary outcome was assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index, Brazilian version, at baseline and at 8 weeks and 12 weeks postintervention. RESULTS: The intervention and control groups had significant differences in education, race, occupation, menstrual status, and previous treatment performed. Sexual function after telenursing counseling in the intervention and control groups showed no statistically significant differences at 8 weeks or 12 weeks. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Telephone counseling did not differ from usual care in improving sexual function in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Nurses should consider integrating multiple intervention components.