Streamlined Testosterone Order Template to Improve the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Hypogonadism in Veterans
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Poor adherence to evidence-based guidelines for diagnosing hypogonadism prior to initiating testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), has prompted recommendations for clinical practice improvement. This quality improvement study examined whether a testosterone order template (TOT) could improve adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Methods: A retrospective review examined male patients aged > 18 years with no prior VA testosterone prescription and ≥ 2 clinic visits who received a new testosterone prescription before TOT implementation vs postimplementation. Signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, ≥ 2 serum testosterone and gonadotropin measurements, TRT risks and benefits, and an updated hematocrit test within 6 months prior to TRT were documented. Results: = .004). Conclusions: TOT implementation is a feasible approach to improve clinical diagnosis and hypogonadism evaluation before TRT. The low proportion of men who received education regarding the risks and benefits of TRT and adherence to guideline recommendations after implementation underscores the need for additional efforts to improve guideline adherence and clinical practice.
Source: Federal Practitioner
DOI: 10.12788/fp.0612
Author: Radhika Narla
Institutions: University of Washington, VA Puget Sound Health Care System
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7140824110
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