Physicians’ perspectives on the assessment of referrals for sex therapy—qualitative description with SWOT analysis

Abstract Background: An increase in sexual challenges demands that physicians address sexuality with patients more intensively. However, current knowledge presents a lack in the treatment of sexual health, and sex therapy, for instance, seems to be underutilized despite its benefits. For this reason, this study aimed to describe the perspectives of physicians when assessing the need for referrals to sex therapy. Method: This study was conducted using individual interviews with physicians (n=20). The interviews and thematic analysis were guided by the “Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats” framework. Findings: As a finding, the physicians described the following themes: 1) Strengths: “openness” and “the role of the work,” 2) Weaknesses: “ignorance,” “confusion about protocols,” and “attitudes,” 3) Opportunities: “knowledge supporting the professional community” and “sex therapy as a form of treatment,” and 4) Threats: “resources” and “lacks in healthcare services.” Conclusion: As a conclusion, it seems that physicians don’t have sufficient knowledge of sex therapy as a treatment for sexual health-related issues. This may be connected to general ignorance about sexuality itself in medical education. This study also emphasizes that the responsibility for addressing sexual needs to be clarified in medical education, and that sexuality is an important part of human wellbeing.