Helping doctors utilize the prostate-specific antigen effectively: an online randomized controlled trial (The DUPE...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Urology
• Public Health

Background:

• Prostate cancer screening decisions rely on understanding the strengths and limitations of tests like prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE).
• Healthcare providers require accessible and effective tools to stay updated on the latest evidence for informed patient counseling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of an online information aid (IA) in enhancing physicians' knowledge of PSA/DRE test characteristics.
• To support clinicians in making better-informed decisions regarding prostate cancer screening.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 45 doctors in Victoria's public health network was conducted.
• Participants were assigned to either immediate or delayed access to an online IA.
• Knowledge levels regarding PSA/DRE testing were compared between groups post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Doctors who accessed the IA demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores (7.45/9 vs. 5.75/9, P < 0.0001).
• The IA improved recognition of potential harms, understanding of current literature, and the concept of screening.
• 82% of users found the IA helpful for understanding prostate cancer screening, with 73% finding it easy to use.

Conclusions:

• The IA effectively increased physician knowledge about PSA/DRE testing for prostate cancer screening.
• The resource is time-efficient, user-friendly, and valuable for clinicians seeking to summarize current evidence.
• The IA is recommended as an accessible tool to improve decision-making in prostate cancer screening.