Open AccessIncreasing access to erectile dysfunction treatment via pharmacies to improve healthcare provider visits and quality of life: Results from a prospective real‐world observational study in the United Kingdom
Author(s) -
Lee Lauren J.,
Maguire Terence A.,
Maculaitis Martine C.,
Emir Birol,
Li Vicky W.,
Jeffress Mara,
Li Jim Z.,
Zou Kelly H.,
Donde Shaantanu S.,
Taylor David
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.756
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1742-1241
pISSN - 1368-5031
DOI - 10.1111/ijcp.13849
Subject(s) - medicine , sildenafil , erectile dysfunction , pharmacist , observational study , pharmacy , quality of life (healthcare) , family medicine , prospective cohort study , patient satisfaction , emergency medicine , nursing
Objectives The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in the United Kingdom (UK) formally reclassified sildenafil citrate 50 mg tablets as a pharmacy medicine (sildenafil‐P) in 2017 for adult men with erectile dysfunction (ED). A 1‐year prospective real‐world observational study was conducted to track men's health behaviour, particularly their healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and quality of life (QoL) before and after the availability of sildenafil‐P. Methods Adult men with ED aged ≥18 years provided data at baseline (prior to launch of sildenafil‐P) and every 3 months after the launch. Demographics, health characteristics, treatments at baseline and HCRU, including number of pharmacist and physician/nurse practitioner visits over time are reported. QoL‐related outcomes were assessed via the Self‐Esteem and Relationship Questionnaire (SEAR), 2‐Item Patient Health Questionnaire and ratings of sexual satisfaction. Generalised linear models were used to assess the association of sildenafil‐P use with total physician/nurse practitioner and pharmacist visits and QoL‐related outcomes at 12 months. Results Overall, 1162 men completed the survey at all 5 time points. The mean ± SD age was 59.02 ± 12.06 years; 55.42% reported having a moderate‐to‐severe ED. Hypertension (37.52%) and hypercholesterolaemia (31.50%) were the most common risk factors for ED. At baseline, 62.99% were not using any ED treatment. After adjusting for baseline visits/other covariates, mean physician/nurse practitioner (3.68 vs 2.87; P = .003) and pharmacist visits for any reason (2.10 vs 1.34; P < .001) at 12 months were significantly higher among sildenafil‐P users than those who never used sildenafil‐P. Sildenafil‐P users also had significantly higher SEAR total and domain (sexual relationship and self‐esteem) scores at 12 months. Conclusion Following the reclassification to a pharmacy medicine in the UK, sildenafil‐P was associated with a higher number of physician/nurse practitioner and pharmacist visits for any reason. Sildenafil‐P use was also associated with better QoL, although group differences were small in magnitude.