Returning a referral for erectile dysfunction to the referrer by two different routes

To compare the prescribing pattern and attitude of general practitioners (GPs) in response to a clinic returning a patient referred for erectile dysfunction (ED) to the referrer by two different methods.

Referrals on a waiting list for an assessment of ED were reviewed and a subgroup of patients with criteria enabling them to be eligible for a prescription under the National Health Service (NHS) identified. The GP was informed either in writing or by telephone that the clinic had written to the patient, suggesting he make direct contact with his GP. A follow-up questionnaire was sent to each GP one month after the initial letter to the patient and contact with the GP.

Of 91 questionnaires sent to GPs, 66 (73%) were completed; an additional five GPs corresponded by letter rather than completing the questionnaire. The long waiting time for assessment had led to 35% of patients having already tried sildenafil, and by the time the questionnaire was completed, 57% of patients had tried sildenafil. Ten times as many referrers indicated that they were happy to initiate a prescription for sildenafil than not to do so, for those men eligible for an NHS prescription. More GPs who had received a letter returned the completed questionnaire (80%) than those who had received a courtesy telephone call (64%). There were no differences between the groups of GPs in their attitude to our contact with their patient and no difference in prescribing pattern. Conclusion The provision of guidelines and advice to GPs either by telephone or letter is acceptable practice in reducing long waiting-list times for ED. Safe, simple and effective treatments are available for GPs to use under NHS guidelines.