Validation of online administration of the sexual health inventory for men

Previously we reported the development of a novel, inexpensive, online method to collect health related quality of life information to facilitate responses among patients and decrease loss to followup. We validated the practice by comparing responses to the SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men), a representative validated instrument, when administered on line and in the traditional paper form.

Consented patients were administered validated health related quality of life instruments, including the SHIM, in office and via e-mail. Responses to the SHIM were compared between the administration formats. Paired sample testing was done to analyze test-retest reliability, concordance was assessed by intraclass analysis and a Bland-Altman plot, and the Cronbach α was used to examine internal reliability. Criterion validity was measured using SHIM defined erectile function categories and a dichotomized potency definition (SHIM 17 or greater).

Of the 508 men who consented to participate 359 (71%) completed the SHIM in person, 277 (55%) completed the online form (p <0.001) and 116 (23%) contemporaneously completed each instrument. Comparison of scores revealed little variation and strong correlation (r(2) = 0.83, p <0.001). Intraclass and Bland-Altman analysis revealed strong agreement between the media. The Cronbach α was excellent (0.97) for the online tool. Erectile function classification was identical in 73% of patients with only 7% differing by more than 1 class. Dichotomized potency was consistently defined in 94% of patients.

The online administered SHIM maintains validity and provides consistent responses. Online administration can capture patients who do not complete paper questionnaires and may serve as a reliable adjunct to paper administration for validated outcomes research.