Telenursing in the sexual function of women with breast cancer: A study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Most women with breast cancer have sexual function problems related to cancer diagnosis and treatment. These problems harm the quality of life and relationships. However, most patients do not receive care or guidance regarding sexuality from healthcare providers. This study aimed to test the effect of telenursing counseling on sexual functioning in women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at 2 reference hospitals for cancer treatment. One hundred eight women with stage I-IV breast cancer undergoing treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy) with a partner will be included in this study. The study was authorized by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Ceará (Opinion number: 46,13,609) and the Maternity School Assis Chateaubriand (Opinion number: 47,42,687). Patients will be allocated to the following groups: the control group, which will not receive an active intervention, and the intervention group, which will receive 3 telenursing counseling sessions for 6 weeks. The levels of sexual function in these patients before the intervention, soon after the intervention and at 12 weeks were compared and analyzed. All data will be collected and analyzed by the JASP program.

RESULTS: Differences in levels of sexual function among women allocated to the control and intervention groups in the analyzed periods.

CONCLUSION: This evidence-based nursing care strategy can be used to improve the sexual function of breast cancer patients and consequently their quality of life and marital relationship.