GP management of erectile dysfunction The impact of clinical audit and guidelines

Background This study evaluated a clinical audit and evidence based practice guide designed to improve general practitioners' assessment and management of erectile dysfunction. Method A self selected sample of 25 GPs audited their assessment and management of 1354 patients at risk of, or being treated for, erectile dysfunction. Results General practitioners reported several significant improvements across the audit period: GP initiated discussions about erectile dysfunction with 'at risk' patients nearly doubled an 18% increase in psychological history taking with 'at risk' patients a 19% increase in assessment of current erectile dysfunction patients' needs and preferences for treatment decreased specialist referrals increased provision of phosphodiesterase inhibitor samples. Conclusion This clinical audit and practice guide was developed specifically and uniquely for GPs in Australia. Findings provide some support for the combined use of the clinical audit and practice guide to elicit positive changes in erectile dysfunction assessment and management.