loading page

Increasing 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
  • +7
  • Lauren J. Lee,
  • Terence A. Maguire,
  • Martine Maculaitis,
  • Birol Emir,
  • Vicky W. Li,
  • Mara Jeffress,
  • Jim Z. Li,
  • Kelly Zou,
  • Shaantanu Donde,
  • David Taylor
Lauren J. Lee
Pfizer Inc

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Terence A. Maguire
Queen’s University Belfast
Author Profile
Martine Maculaitis
Kantar
Author Profile
Birol Emir
Pfizer Inc
Author Profile
Vicky W. Li
Kantar
Author Profile
Mara Jeffress
Kantar
Author Profile
Jim Z. Li
Pfizer Inc
Author Profile
Kelly Zou
Pfizer Inc
Author Profile
Shaantanu Donde
Pfizer Inc
Author Profile
David Taylor
University College London
Author Profile

Abstract

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 one-year prospective real-world observational study was conducted to track men’s health behavior, particularly their healthcare resource utilization (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 three 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 Self-Esteem and Relationship Questionnaire (SEAR), 2-Item Patient Health Questionnaire, and ratings of sexual satisfaction. Generalized 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 hypercholesterolemia (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 had significantly higher SEAR total and domain (sexual relationship and self-esteem) scores at 12 months. Conclusion: Following the reclassification to 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.
07 Sep 2020Submitted to International Journal of Clinical Practice
07 Sep 2020Submission Checks Completed
07 Sep 2020Assigned to Editor
09 Sep 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
04 Oct 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
31 Oct 20201st Revision Received
31 Oct 2020Submission Checks Completed
31 Oct 2020Assigned to Editor
31 Oct 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
16 Nov 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
16 Nov 2020Editorial Decision: Accept
Apr 2021Published in International Journal of Clinical Practice volume 75 issue 4. 10.1111/ijcp.13849