Prescribing for erectile dysfunction: a Delphi based consensus study

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.