record

Thesis Info

LABS ID
*removed* 00813
Thesis Title
Sexuality and Intimacy Healthcare for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
Author
Ruocha Wang
2nd Author
3rd Author
Degree
Master of Science
Year
2019
Number of Pages
88
University
TU Delft
Thesis Supervisor
Pieter Desmet
Supervisor e-mail
p.m.a.desmet AT tudelft.nl
Other Supervisor(s)
Bob Groeneveld, Leonore Albers
Language(s) of Thesis
English
Department / Discipline
Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering/Integrated Product Design
Languages Familiar to Author
URL where full thesis can be found
Keywords
Sexuality and Intimacy, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, Human-Centered Design
Abstract: 200-500 words
Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer, aged from 15 to 39 years, are making the transition from childhood to adulthood. When the burden of cancer is added, it becomes part of this extraordinary and challenging time in their growth and development. Cancer affects the psychosexuality of AYAs as well as intimate relationships, which in turn influences their well-being. However, the discussion on sexuality and intimacy is hard to initiate, and AYAs are not satisfied with the information provided by the healthcare providers. The project looked into the big picture of sexuality and intimacy care for AYAs in the Netherlands and the unmet needs of AYAs. Based on the research findings, the design concept is developed. It is an online application together with a website. To tackle the problem of insufficient discussion, the application gives information about the disturbances and prepares AYAs to initiate the discussion with their healthcare providers. For AYAs’ dissatisfaction with the information supplied, the project looked into AYAs’ unmet needs and constructed an information architecture that covers their needs. Literature study and interviews were conducted in the research phase. The design phase implemented iterative design and human-centred design approaches, where AYAs were kept at the heart in the process.