Diabetes: asking about erectile dysfunction

Indicator type

General practice indicator suitable for use in the Quality and Outcomes Framework.

Rationale

Erectile dysfunction is a manifestation of autonomic neuropathy as a complication of long-term hyperglycaemia and as such is a common complication of diabetes. Erectile dysfunction is a traumatic complication for some men with diabetes. Although not perceived as life-threatening, it can have a significant impact on the quality of life for men with diabetes, their partners and families.

Source guidance

Specification

Numerator: The number of patients in the denominator with a record of being asked about erectile dysfunction in the preceding 15 months.

Denominator: The number of male patients on the diabetes register.

Calculation: Numerator divided by the denominator, multiplied by 100.

Exclusions: None

Personalised care adjustments or exception reporting should be considered to account for situations where the patient declines, does not attend or if asking about erectile dysfunction is not appropriate.

Expected population size: National Diabetes Audit data for 2023 to 2024 and ONS mid-year population data for 2024 shows that 3.7% of people are included in the audit and are male: 366 patients for an average practice with 10,000 patients. To be suitable for use in QOF, there should be more than 20 patients eligible for inclusion in the denominator, per average practice with 10,000 patients, prior to application of personalised care adjustments.