Abstract Introduction Sexuality and intimacy are vital aspects of one‘s wellbeing, regardless of health status. However, due to the double taboo surrounding sexuality and death, the impact of advanced cancer on sexuality is often overlooked. Addressing these issues could enhance the wellbeing of patients with advanced cancer and their relatives. Healthcare organisations can promote this by developing care policies. Objective We aim to explore the availability and content of policies regarding care focused on sexuality and intimacy in organisations that provide care to people with advanced cancer in the Netherlands. Methods We are currently conducting an online 33-item survey among healthcare professionals, managers, and policy staff of organisations involved in caring for people with advanced cancer. Participants are recruited between October and December 2025. We aim to collect data from 100 professionals working at different healthcare organisations. Items are self-constructed and address policies on sexuality and intimacy within organisations, as well as how healthcare professionals provide care related to sexuality and intimacy. Results So far, 36 healthcare professionals have completed the survey. Most were physicians (58%, n=21) or nurses (28%, n=10). No managers or policy staff participated. Participants worked in hospitals (92%, n=33), general practitioner offices (6%, n=2), or a private practice (3%, n=1). Of the 36 respondents, 19% (n=7) had never received training on how to address patients’ sexuality and intimacy, 53% (n=19) reported a need for more knowledge, 22% (n=8) never discuss these topics with people dealing with advanced cancer, and 61% (n=22) believed that addressing these topics should be an integral part of their care for this population. Of the 36 respondents, 39% (n=14) reported their organisation has a policy on the topics of patients’ sexuality and intimacy in general, and 22% (n=8) reported specific attention in such policies for people with advanced illness. Yet, 78% (n=28) believed that within their organisation there should be more attention to sexuality and intimacy for people dealing with advanced cancer. Of the 36 respondents, 22% (n=8) reported their organisation has a designated officer or working group on sexuality and intimacy. Patients’ sexuality and intimacy were regularly discussed within organisations during 25% (n=9) of patient consultations and 28% (n=10) of team / departmental / management meetings. Privacy to support patients in engaging in sexuality and intimacy was reported as adequate in 42% (n=15) of organisations (e.g., possibility to lock the door). None of the organisations enabled sexual care services, such as sex care workers. Conclusions Only 39% of organisations that provide care for people with advanced cancer have a policy focused on patients’ sexuality and intimacy, with only 22% having specific attention to people with advanced illness. By recognizing sexuality and intimacy as topics that should receive attention within palliative care, the needs of people dealing with advanced cancer may be better met. Future parts of this project include an interview study among people with advanced cancer and partners to explore their experiences, needs, and wishes concerning sexuality and intimacy in the last phase of life, using visualisation and generative methods from design research. Disclosure No
Bakker et al. (Mon,) studied this question.