Development of an educational intervention focused on sexuality for women with gynecological cancer

The purpose of this article is to report on the development of an educational intervention that focuses on providing women with gynecological cancer information on sexuality. Intervention development was guided by the Medical Research Council framework for complex intervention development. A phased approach was taken to the design and evaluation of this complex intervention which included (1) an in-depth literature review, (2) selection of a theoretical framework, (3) a qualitative study, (4) development of intervention content and process, and (5) pilot testing of the intervention. The educational intervention consists of an information booklet combined with a verbal education session. Content of the intervention is guided by a conceptual framework of sexuality, whereas the intervention process is guided by andragogical principles and the PLISSIT model. Content validity was established by patient and expert review.