Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) monitoring in primary care after discharge from hospital-based follow-up following prostate cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To examine follow-up procedures after men are discharged into primary care following prostate cancer and highlight any areas for service improvement.

METHODS

Patient record data from two Greater Manchester boroughs were retrieved retrospectively to investigate discharge instructions and monitoring adherence. Questionnaires were sent to patients exploring their understanding of the follow-up process.

RESULTS

A total of 300 records were accessed. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) re-referral level was provided to GPs in 39% of cases. Forty- six percent of men were not tested frequently enough, and 6% had no PSA testing recorded post-discharge. A total of 222 patient questionnaires were returned. Sixty-seven percent felt GPs should be responsible for PSA monitoring, and 60% felt confident that their GP was doing so effectively. Conversely, 12% felt their PSA monitoring had been neglected.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the complex nature of the follow-up and monitoring processes for prostate cancer patients. There is an urgent need for consensus in terms of monitoring frequency and referral pathways. Many patients do not engage in accurate monitoring post-treatment which has implications for early diagnosis of recurrence. Findings will be used to create an evidence-based, uniform Greater Manchester PSA monitoring service which is safe, acceptable and effective for all.