Introduction / Rationale: Sexuality and spinal cord injury (SCI) is not often explored fully, resulting to a poorer post injury sexual life. Raising awareness about sexuality rehabilitation (SR) in delivering a successful approach in discovering new self is paramount, as typically, the sudden shift in role and identity is challenging. The societal etiquette of disability such as stigma, dependency and psychological impact often shadows SR, which leads to further biographical disruptions impacting mental health, post injury sexual life, fertility assumptions and relationships.
Objectives: Inpatient occupational therapy led service to examine, promote and deliver SR within SCI treatment centre. Identify implication of occupational therapy role as an innovative and pivotal role in facilitating SR within SCI treatment centre.
Methods / Approach: Occupational therapy led approach included educational sessions focusing on identification of tailored, realistic and personal goals while offering SR within a trustworthy therapeutic milieu. While allowing considerations of cultural differences and expectations, key topics were based on altered sexual functions in relation to ASIA scoring and type of SCI, fertility, peer support and lived experiences, sexual health including contraception, incontinence management, spasticity, autonomic dysreflexia, sensory and motor loss functions. Validity and reliability delivered with the extended Plissit and Biopsychosocial models as standardised tools.
Results / Practice Implications: Qualitative interpretation indicated that occupational therapy in SR delivered a positive impact in enabling successful adjustment into post injury sexual life, while promoting self-determination, acceptance and reducing stigma.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: SR should be an integral part of inpatient SCI treatment centres rehabilitation program and pathways as a standard of care and therapy. This innovative implication of the occupational therapy profession, which implements its core values and specialist skill set, has demonstrated to be a pivotal component for individuals affected by SCI, ultimately enhancing well-being, sexual independence, sense of identity and self-worth.