An Occupational Therapist as a Sexual Health Clinician in the Management of Spinal Cord Injuries

Abstract

The Sexual Health Clinician is a health care specialist who is able to assess the sexual potential of physically disabled persons and assist them in the development of acceptable alternatives in sexual practices. This specialty role was first developed at the Spinal Cord Injury Unit, Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, to answer a need of spinal cord injured patients, their partners and family. The opportunity to join the Service arose in May, 1981 following one year as the Senior Occupational Therapist on the Spinal Cord Injury Unit. This paper, which describes the experience of an occupational therapist as a member of the Sexual Health Service, is presented in five brief parts: 1. a background history; 2. a description of the sexual problems of the spinal cord injured and the goals of rehabilitation in this area; 3. the role of the Sexual Health Clinician; 4. the strengths and limitations of Occupational Therapy in this new role; 5. a brief discussion of the the need for a sex-related role and curriculum for students of Occupational Therapy.