Prescribing for erectile dysfunction: A Delphi based consensus study

Abstract

Little is known about how clinicians implement UK prescribing guidelines for erectile dysfunction. The list of conditions eligible for state-funding is limited to selected organic conditions and to patients suffering severe distress as diagnosed by an urologist or psychiatrist. We conducted a Delphi study to establish attitudes toward prescribing for erectile dysfunction among GPs, urologists and psychiatrists. 33 panelists participated. Most statements did not achieve consensus: 90% agreed on two and 80% agreed with seven of the 25 statements offered. We conclude that current UK prescribing criteria for erectile dysfunction may not reflect clinicians' views and disadvantage some patient groups. The severe distress criterion seems to be unhelpful as it remains open to interpretation. Future reviews of funding criteria should give more consideration to patients' and clinicians' views.

Keywords:

• erectile dysfunction
• Delphi
• sildenafil
• severe distress
• funding

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the experts participating in the panel:

1.	Dr Deji Ayonrinde
2.	Dr Geoff Hackett
3.	Mr Gordon Muir
4.	Dr Martin Baggaley
5.	Ms Ruth Hallam-Jones
6.	Mr Tim O'Brien
7.	Mrs Tricia Barnes
8.	Mr Michael Hehir
9.	Mr John Pryor
10.	Dr Peter Barrett
11.	Dr David Hogg
12.	Mr PGS Raju
13.	Dr Mike Bloomfield
14.	Mr Simon Holmes
15.	Dr Swaran Singh
16.	Dr Sarah Bruml
17.	Dr Mike Kirby
18.	Mr Philip Thomas
19.	Dr Usman Buhari
20.	Ms Victoria Lehman
21.	Dr Trevor Turner
22.	Dr Nicola Carter
23.	Dr Stephen Logsdail
24.	Dr Lynne Webster
25.	Mr Kevin Dennison
26.	Prof Robin McCreadie
27.	Dr Huw Williams
28.	Mr Ian Eardley
29.	Mr Tom McNicholas
30.	Dr Patrick Wright
31.	Mr Clive Gingell
32.	Dr Stephen Miller
33.	Dr Kevan Wylie
34.	We also thank Pfizer UK for financial support.