(151) Development of a New Peyronie’s Disease Self-Assessment Screening App

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder associated with the formation of fibrotic plaques in the tunica albuginea, leading to penile curvature. PD is underdiagnosed, and this may be related to the reluctance of some men to seek consultation with a health care provider (HCP). Objective The aim was to develop an English-language digital application (app) to increase PD awareness, give men concerned about penile curvature a self-screening tool, and provide a link for locating HCPs with expertise in PD. Methods The Peyronie’s Disease Self-Assessment App is Android- and iOS-compatible. It was developed as a self-assessment tool for screening purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition, disease, or health problem and should not be considered a replacement for a consultation with a physician. The app provides instructional videos on general features and how to perform a penile scanning procedure. Results The PD Self-Assessment App includes a questionnaire related to penile curvature, penetration difficulty, degree of bother for partner, and impact on sexual activity. An innovative feature of the app is a live scanning technology, which uses the phone’s camera to detect the contours of the penis from multiple angles and applies an algorithm that determines the degree of curvature. The resulting image is a 3D penile simulation in the app, which allows the user to mark the location of any “lumps.” The app will also produce a 2D outline to determine the maximum curvature. External links are provided to a PD education website and to locate an HCP. The patient can share both the questionnaire responses and penile curvature simulation with his HCP via the user’s native email. This tool has password protection features and encrypts sensitive data. The scan images are representations of the penis, not photographs. Images are stored in the app library and are not stored in the user’s photo gallery. To enhance security, all data are erased when the app is uninstalled. The app is adaptable and scalable as needed for future updates. Conclusions The PD Self-Assessment App will help improve patient knowledge of the condition, document penile deformity, and facilitate consultation with an HCP. For men with PD, the app will help ease their journey with PD. The app will assist HCPs with evaluation and diagnosis. Sequential documentation of penile curvature during medical treatment, during mechanical traction protocols, or following surgery will provide an evidence basis for tracking long-term outcomes in PD. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. Clarification Industry initiated, executed and funded study Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.