Aims: Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common issues experienced following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for haematological cancers, affecting approximately 47% of men and 60% of women. There are few intervention studies tailored to improving the sexual dysfunction of patients post-HSCT. This study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a psychosexual intervention for HSCT survivors and their partners, as well as to gain preliminary data about efficacy.
Methods: Fifteen allogeneic HSCT survivors and their partners will be recruited into this study. Patients will be eligible to participate if they are 6-12 months post-transplantation and have a current partner who consents to participating in the intervention. Patients who verbally report experiencing sexual and relationship issues during their follow-up post-allogeneic HSCT will be offered the psychosexual intervention. The intervention will comprise two components: 1. Psychosexual education about medical and behavioural treatments for sexual dysfunction delivered by an oncology nurse; 2. Modified Emotionally Focused Therapy-based relationship and psychosexual education program for couples (four sessions; 1.5 hours each) delivered face-to-face or via telehealth by a clinical psychologist.
Outcomes assessed: Patients and partners will be administered a series of measures assessing mood, relationship satisfaction and sexual dysfunction prior to and following the intervention. Patient and partner satisfaction will be assessed post-intervention to determine acceptability of intervention. Feasibility will be examined via recording enrolment rate, adherence, compliance with completing measures and fidelity of intervention delivery.
Conclusion: An intervention that combines medical management of sexual dysfunction with an EFT-informed relationship education program will be piloted in an HSCT population. Recruitment will commence shortly. If this intervention is feasible, acceptable, and appears effective, its impact will be examined in a future RCT. It is hoped that this intervention will positively impact the quality of life of HSCT patients and their partners.