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NICE mulls prescribing targets for erectile dysfunction

By Nigel Praities

GPs are set for QOF targets to incentivise them to prescribe drugs for erectile dysfunction, under pilot indicators being developed by NICE.

The pilot will test four new indicators to incentivise practices to case-find and prescribe treatment for erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes, and refer on for specialist treatment where appropriate.

The pilot was approved by a NICE committee last week, despite some concerns over the strength of the evidence base for GPs assessing patients for erectile dysfunction.

The precise wording of the indicators is yet to be determined, but will be based on NICE guidelines and will aim to increase patient awareness and treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes.

Another pilot will look at incentives for GPs to refer patients for cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack or heart failure.

A member of the committee [whose name has been withdrawn on request from NICE] said: ‘The evidence base is very strong and the demography changes meant that we should get this sorted.'

Depending on the results of the pilot programme, starting in April next year, the indicators may be put forward for inclusion in QOF by NICE's QOF Indicator Advisory Committee.

NICE mulls prescribing targets for erectile dysfunction


          

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