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Assessing self-help issues for patients with prostate cancer, interstitial cystitis, erectile dysfunction and urinary
R H Breau1, P J McGrath, R W Norman
1Departments of Urology and Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
BJU International
|November 18, 2003
Summary
Many urology patients desire self-help resources but have low awareness and use. Physicians should refer patients to specific self-help materials to improve care for conditions like prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Patient Education
- Health Information Access
Background:
- Self-help resources are widely available for patient education and empowerment.
- Their prevalence and utilization in urological diseases are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of self-help use and awareness among patients with urological diseases.
- To assess patient satisfaction with current support and information levels.
Main Methods:
- Structured interviews were conducted with 120 urology patients (30 each with prostate cancer, interstitial cystitis, erectile dysfunction, urinary diversion).
- Assessed self-help awareness, use, and satisfaction with information and support.
- Patients were recruited from a tertiary-care outpatient urology clinic.
Main Results:
- Patients with interstitial cystitis and erectile dysfunction had the highest need for support but lowest satisfaction.
- Prostate cancer patients reported the least need and highest satisfaction.
- Self-help use and awareness were low across all groups, though most patients expressed willingness to use available resources. Many were not referred by physicians.
Conclusions:
- Most patients desire more self-help resources, but current utilization is low.
- Low physician referral rates likely contribute to underutilization of self-help.
- Clinicians should actively encourage and refer patients to specific, accurate self-help resources, potentially starting with brochures.