Redefining innovation in sexual medicine: patients and public involvement to inform patient-centered web-based interventions for female sexual dysfunctions

Abstract

Despite the high prevalence and the enormous burden caused by sexual dysfunctions in Germany, access to therapeutic interventions is still limited. Web-based patient-centered approaches value patients’ needs and improve access and quality in health care. In research patient and public involvement (PPI) can contribute to shape patient-relevant therapies. The aim is to conduct a representative survey in Germany on healthcare needs, attitudes, and behavior to inform future web-based multimodal treatment approaches for female sexual dysfunctions (FSD). For PPI representatives associated with FSD or predispositions for impairments in sexual function were recruited (e.g., endometriosis, cancer, sexual violence, female genital mutilation/cutting, and others). Between July and December 2021 stakeholders participate as co-research-members (n=3) and provide counseling in an advisory group (n=5) on the conception, interpretation, and dissemination of results. The representative survey is conducted by YouGov. Samples are drawn from a panel that matches a random sample of respondents drawn from the German Census. The preliminary results confirmed that health literacy of female patients is limited and counseling by medical health care providers in Germany hardly exist. Stakeholders advocated for clinical trials on digital interventions integrating psychosocial and physical treatment elements are tailored to the needs of different target groups. Based on PPI-recommendations a questionnaire for a representative survey with n=1200 (60% f, 40% m) participants was designed to inform future clinical trials on digital interventions. Association between demographic variables, risk factors, FSD, and health care preferences will be analyzed using multinomial logistic regressions. Sex-related differences will be addressed with χ2 tests. PPI had a strong impact on the development of the questionnaire and design of future translational studies and clinical trials. Further research is needed to validate instruments to systematically evaluate the quality and impact of PPI in research projects. No conflict of interest