Setting the mood: improving patient satisfaction and clinic efficiency during penile duplex doppler ultrasound assessment

Abstract

We sought to identify specific testing conditions that may negatively impact patient experience with Penile duplex Doppler ultrasound (PDDU). We developed a survey designed to assess perception with several predetermined clinical-environment factors. Patients completed the voluntary written-survey at the time of PDDU between January 2022 and June 2024. 37.4% of patients reported at least one of the following negatively impacted their experience: bright lights, hallway noises, room temperature, and frequent staff assessments. Preference regarding clinician gender and type (physician versus advanced practice provider) was also assessed. When assessed prior to starting the consultation, we found that 57.6% reported no provider preference, while 40.6% preferred consultation with physicians. 72.6% reported no provider gender preference, while 25.2% preferred males. In contrast, when assessed at the completion of the consultation, 84.4 and 85.7% reported no preference regarding provider type or gender, respectively. Based on interim analysis of survey response data, a call-button was implemented for patients to alert staff when adequate erection rigidity was achieved during testing. The mean time to response decreased significantly from 15.6 min ±4.2 to 11.2 min ±4.2 (p < 0.001). Further work is needed to validate and identify additional modifiable factors that can be improved upon to enhance patient experience.