Patients’ perceptions of nocturnal erectile function assessment with the RigiScan®

In recent decades, the assessment of male sexual function has been a subject of enduring interest. The use of the RigiScan®, a conventional diagnostic tool designed to differentiate between psychological and organic causes of erectile dysfunction (ED), has decreased due to several disadvantages. In this study, patient perspectives on the merits and drawbacks of the RigiScan®, as well as preferences for a future diagnostic device, were explored. Patients at St. Antonius Hospital and Leiden University Medical Center who underwent RigiScan® examinations were surveyed. A pretested questionnaire was used to gather data on their experiences, satisfaction levels, and suggestions for improvement. Among the 120 distributed questionnaires, a 39.2% response rate was achieved. The process of applying the RigiScan® around the penis was reported to have an average difficulty rating of 4.6 ± 2.5 (range: 1-9) points. While 74.5% of the participants were able to keep the device on all night, 25.5% of the participants experienced difficulties. Sleep quality was assessed at 5.5 ± 2.6 (range: 0-9) points. The participants reported an average pain rating of 4.7 ± 2.8 (range: 0-9) points. Despite these challenges, 69.6% of the participants reported that the device met their expectations, while 30.4% of the participants were dissatisfied. The key areas for improvement included device size (33.7%), user-friendliness (25.5%), sound (9.2%), hygiene (7.1%), and pain (6.1%). This study revealed that patients who underwent a nocturnal erectile function assessment with the RigiScan® device preferred a more patient-friendly and less intrusive diagnostic device. Further research is needed to determine whether a new sensor possessing these improved characteristics can increase patient satisfaction.