Evaluation of PSA testing by general practitioners: regional study in the autonomic Community of Valencia

The aim of the study is to compare the use of PSA testing among general practitioners (GPs).

The number of PSA tests ordered by general practitioners in the years 2008-2009 was examined in a cross-sectional study of nine health districts of Spain. The percentage of PSA ordered to men younger than 50 (PSA<50/PSAtotal) and 40 years (PSA<40/PSAtotal) was calculated. The percentage of men over 50 years who were attended was also calculated and this data was compared with the number of PSA ordered to this population. For two of the departments, these data were also compared between GPs and urologists.

PSA testing in 2009 is higher than 2008 in seven health districts. PSA testing in men younger than 50 years was increased along the period of the study and in men younger than 40 years remained steady. The differences between the values of the indicators for urologists and GPs are significant.

The number of PSA tests and the percentage performed to men younger 50 years has been increasing and the variability is high. These data are suggestive for interventions focused on PSA testing and prostate cancer screening in primary care settings.