Current Knowledge and Opinions of Medical Trainees Regarding PSA Screening

After 2008 and 2012 USPSTF recommendations against PSA screening, studies revealed a decline in screening rates and trend towards more advanced disease at presentation. After revision of this recommendation in 2017, PSA screening guidelines remain inconsistent and controversy still exists about its clinical utility. We seek to better understand the knowledge of medical trainees regarding this fundamental controversy and gain better insight into what they are being taught regarding this topic. Participants were medical students (n = 66) and residents (n = 60) from a single institution. REDCap software was used for informed consent, survey distribution, and data collection. Variables measured included PSA clinical knowledge, awareness of the PSA guideline changes, and attitudes, confidence, and viewpoints on use of PSA screening in clinical practice. More than 60% of medical trainees reported little or no knowledge of PSA screening guidelines. Although residents reported more knowledge than medical students, actual assessed knowledge of PSA screening did not differ between groups. Trainees reported receiving education primarily from other healthcare professionals and didactics, with some self-learning online. Though confidence was low overall, residents were more confident than medical students in discussing PSA screening with patients. The majority of respondents wanted more information about PSA testing, with medical students particularly interested in diagnosis/detection, treatment, and survival. Overall, opinions towards PSA testing as an aid were generally positive. Better education about the current PSA screening guidelines for medical trainees is imperative, particularly given that shared decision-making is of great importance when counseling patients on cancer screening.