Raising the subject – let’s talk about erectile dysfunction

SYKES, Andrea, TAYLOR, Amy, HOLBORN, Catherine, ALLEN, Daniel, FERGUSON, Catherine and DIN, Omar (2020). Raising the subject – let’s talk about erectile dysfunction. Radiography, 26, S31.

Full text not available from this repository.
Official URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/...
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2019.11.078

Abstract

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant side-effect from radical treatment modalities for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. ED can impact patient’s self-esteem and masculinity [1], resultantly these patients are at a high risk of developing depressive symptoms [2]. ED is not routinely discussed in the radiographer-led review clinics in the author’s clinical department. The team wished to establish if the introduction of the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire in the radiographer-led review clinics would aid patients to raise ED concerns and increase referral rates. Method and Materials: A retrospective baseline audit of 96 patients receiving radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer over a 3-month period was completed to assess if ED had been discussed and the number of patients referred to specialist ED clinics. A prospective service evaluation of all patients receiving radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer over a 3 month period was completed. Patients were asked to return the completed IIEF-5 questionnaire in their review. Responses were discussed, and referral to specialist clinics completed if required. Results: The retrospective baseline audit identified ED was only discussed in 7 reviews of those 96, with 6 patients referred to a specialist clinic. 122 patients have been provided with IIEF-5 in the prospective service evaluation. Patient response to the questionnaires has been mixed, 23 patients have declined to complete the IIEF-5 questionnaire outright. Only 34 patients have returned their completed IIEF-5 questionnaire. From these patients, 29 patients felt ED was not a concern to them and they did not want referral. 5 patients have requested referral to a specialist clinic. Conclusions and Discussion: The evidence-base has identified the importance of healthcare professionals raising the subject of ED with patients [3]. The results have not presently identified an increase in the number of referrals to specialist clinics but the numbers are comparable. IIEF-5 is increasing radiographer and patient awareness leading to the issue being discussed. Further work with focus groups will be conducted to assess and evaluate the appropriateness of the IIEF-5 for these patients.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: ** Article version: AM ** Embargo end date: 08-01-2021 ** From Elsevier via Jisc Publications Router ** Licence for AM version of this article starting on 08-01-2021: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ **Journal IDs: issn 10788174 **History: issue date 31-01-2020; published_online 08-01-2020
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2019.11.078
Page Range: S31
SWORD Depositor: Colin Knott
Depositing User: Colin Knott
Date Deposited: 13 Jan 2020 10:06
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 02:53
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/25668

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics