Swiss people with COPD “love” COmmunication about SexualitY: the COSY randomised controlled trial

<bold>Objective:</bold> Communication about sexuality (COSY) is mostly ignored in people with COPD. We report on patients` acceptance and perceptions using the COSY communication instruments for the first time in a RCT assessing the effectiveness of the COSY intervention on quality of life. <bold>Methods:</bold> Within the RCT (<ext-link>NCT05696730</ext-link>) a skilled health professional (HP) applied the COSY face to face intervention using 6 COSY instruments. The HP created a “save space”, an undisturbed room and 90 minutes time for the initial and the final consultation after 3 months (t2). The intervention group (IG) was interviewed about general acceptance and what they liked most and the least at t2. <bold>Results:</bold> 17 patients, 9 male, 12/17 with partners, mean (SD) age 68.4 (6.0) years, FEV1 56.8 (22.2) % predicted were randomised into the IG. 13 IG patients finished t2 and were analyzed. On a 5-point Likert scale (1=very happy, 5=not at all happy to participate) 54 % and 46% stated that they were very happy and happy to have participated. 70% liked most the respectful conversation with the competent HP. They stated the COSYinstruments helped to discover and discuss needs, goals and barriers for sexual wellbeing and supported motivation with respect to individual defined actions for communication about their needs and for healthy COPD behaviours, and to realize them. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> and Practice Implication Communication about sexual wellbeing is appreciated. Successful implementation requires HP with openness to discuss the topic respectful and professional as part of holistic COPD care.