• Anneleen Baert, Pieter Vynckier, Sofie Pardaens, Delphine De Smedt, Johan De Sutter, Dirk De Bacquer, and Els Clays.
• Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
• Int. J. Clin. Pract. 2021 May 1; 75 (5): e14063.

BackgroundAlthough heart failure (HF) patients often consider sexual activity as an essential aspect of their quality of life (QoL) and are usually uncertain if it is safe to perform sexual activity, this topic is overall poorly addressed in clinical practice.AimsThe aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and practices of Flemish caregivers.MethodsHealthcare providers were recruited through convenience sampling and filled in an adapted version of the UNITE Sexual Counselling Instrument. Several relevant network structures in Flanders were used to distribute the questionnaires-online as well as on paper-to healthcare workers being involved in the care to HF patients.ResultsResults of 180 participants indicated that 51.5% of the healthcare providers have never provided sexual counselling in HF patients. Being male, having a masters' degree, having more than 10 years of experience in cardiovascular disease, working in an ambulatory care department and having more positive attitudes were independently associated with a higher provision of sexual counselling in practice.ConclusionAlthough healthcare providers perceive it as their responsibility to discuss patients' sexual concerns, these issues are not often addressed in daily practice. Increasing knowledge in healthcare providers and specific practical training in providing information on sexual activity in HF patients are recommended. Further studies are needed to investigate how sexual counselling can be provided in agreement with HF patients' expectations and needs.© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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