Teaching Patients To Use Their Penile Prosthesis Requires Compassion

Main Category: Erectile Dysfunction / Premature Ejaculation
Also Included In: Urology / Nephrology;  Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 02 May 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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While penile prosthesis devices are the most invasive and least chosen treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), the devices garner the highest patient satisfaction rates. In the April 2008 issue of Urologic Nursing, Annette Liechty and Susanne A. Quallich review a teaching process that nurses can use to show a patient to successfully operate the device.

Liechty and Quallich say the single most important aspect of teaching patients to use their penile prosthesis is ensuring the patient is comfortable with and physically able to operate the device. Patients are generally very motivated to operate the device, say the authors, as it allows for spontaneity in sexual relationships, unavailable before the prosthesis surgery.

The authors acknowledge adults learn in different ways and encourage health care providers to use an appropriate style (verbal, written or demonstration) when teaching patients to use the device. Liechty and Quallich say addressing these issues in a compassionate and professional manner can help patients achieve a satisfactory degree of sexual functioning.

"Teaching a Patient to Successfully Operate a Penile Prosthesis"
Annette Liechty, LPN, CUA; Susanne A. Quallich, APRN, BC, NP-C, CUNP
Urologic Nursing; April 2008; www.suna.org

About SUNA (Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates)

The Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates is a national, non-profit professional membership association with over 3,000 members and annual revenues of $1.5 million. SUNA derives its income from membership dues ($60), conference registration fees, exhibits, advertising, grants, and the sale of educational products.

SUNA publishes a professional, peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal (Urologic Nursing Journal) and a bi-monthly newsletter (Uro-Gram). SUNA establishes the scope and standards of urologic nursing practice and the scope and standards of advanced urologic nursing practice. SUNA provides scholarships, grants and awards to deserving nurses and other health care professionals. SUNA supports and promotes the certification of urologic nurses and associates by providing educational preparation for the examinations offered which lead to certification in three areas. SUNA provides a variety of opportunities for participation including local chapters, task forces and Special Interest Groups (SIGS) in five major subspecialty areas.

www.suna.org