Comparing virtual and in-person training for intracavernosal injection therapy in a multidisciplinary sexual health clinic within a prostate cancer survivorship program.

Abstract

Introduction: The Sexual Health Clinic (SHC) offered by the Prostate Cancer Supportive Care (PCSC) Program delivers sexual health therapies for prostate cancer (PCa) patients and their partners. Since April 2020, training for using intracavernosal injections (ICI) to treat erectile dysfunction has been offered in either in-person or virtual appointments. This study's primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of virtual compared to in-person ICI training by analyzing clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) within each group.

Methods: This is a retrospective, ethics-approved chart review of all patients who received ICI training between January 2019 and April 2023. PROs collected were obtained prospectively during routine clinical care. Outcomes, including PROs, satisfaction, and adverse events, were measured using surveys and validated questionnaires.

Results: Over four years, 74 patients received ICI training, 54 virtually and 24 in-person. Each group's demographics are similar with respect to age, education level, ethnicity, and partner information. Most patients had not attempted ICI before enrolling in the SHC and were not satisfied with other therapeutic options to treat their ED. Adherence was high in both groups. Virtual and in-person ICI teaching was similar with respect to clinical outcomes and satisfaction. Overall satisfaction was low in both groups. The frequency of adverse events was comparable.

Conclusions: Overall, clinical outcomes with ICI training in the virtual format do not appear to differ from those completed in person. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.