Development of the 'Intimacy and Sexuality Expression Preference' tool for residential aged care

Abstract

Objectives: To outline development of the Intimacy and Sexuality Expression Preference (ISEP) tool that elicits preferences for the expression of intimacy and sexuality of older people, living with and without dementia, in residential aged care. Methods: Using two rounds of the Delphi technique involving 14 panelists, tool items were evaluated for importance, usefulness, relevancy and clarity on a 5-point Likert scale. Results: All tool items achieved a mean score of ≥3.4 across the four areas of evaluation with an overall average tool-level content validity index of 0.89. Instructions were deemed appropriate (M=4.6; SD=0.8), easy to understand and simple to follow (M=4.6; SD=0.6). Discussion: The ISEP tool can improve care and support older people's expression of intimacy and sexuality from a person-centered approach. Further research into the use of the tool in ‘real’ residential aged care settings is required to establish external validity prior to implementation.