Vasoactive intracavernous pharmacotherapy--the nursing role in teaching self-injection therapy

Our physician-nurse team management of a program in vasoactive intracavernous pharmacotherapy to treat male impotence has provided a high degree of patient and partner satisfaction. Nurses participate in the assessment of the ability of a patient or partner to master the self-injection technique, and the potential of a couple for compliance with and commitment to the program, all of which are key factors for successful home therapy. A nurse also teaches the self-injection technique. Audiovisual materials and handouts are used as teaching aids to ensure that complete and consistent information is given. The patient or partner is required to perform a self-injection under nursing supervision before a prescription for home use written. Initial followup visits are scheduled with a nurse at 1 to 2-week intervals. At these visits the nurse identifies possible patient errors in self-injection technique, dose or frequency, and answers questions about the therapy. After the couple has mastered and is comfortable with home injection, followup appointments are scheduled with the physician at 4-week intervals to monitor for possible changes in response to treatment and for an examination of the phallus.