Exploring the experiences of patients, general practitioners and oncologists of prostate cancer follow-up: A qualitative interview study.
Sally Taylor, Helen Johnson, Sara Peat and 2 others
PMID 32932010WHAT IT FOUND
Prostate cancer follow-up after discharge was described as unclear: PSA tests were often patient-arranged, results were not routinely shared, and roles were uncertain.
Nurses in follow-up care should spell out who monitors PSA, when, and how results reach patients.
Key findings
01Patients differed in how they handled PSA monitoring: most arranged their own appointments and records, while some left responsibility with the GP.
02Most GP surgeries did not routinely communicate PSA results, so patients often had to contact them to learn the result.
03Without clear re-referral guidance, GP processes varied and oncologists sometimes kept patients under hospital follow-up longer.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The interview sample was small and purposive, from two areas in Greater Manchester, so it may not represent other populations or services. Demographic data were not collected, so it is unclear how age, deprivation, comorbidity or treatment type shaped the experiences. Urologists and clinical nurse specialists were not interviewed, although participants said these roles matter to follow-up. One interviewer was a specialist nurse motivated by professional experience, which may have influenced preconceptions about services. Transcripts were not returned to participants unless requested, and participants did not feedback on the themes. Qualitative interviews can describe problems and suggestions, but they cannot show whether a new pathway would improve monitoring or recurrence detection.
Declared interests
The study was funded by The Urology Foundation, The Christie Surgical Urology Fund and The Christie Oncology Fund. The authors declared no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read these themes as proof that a new follow-up pathway reduces missed recurrences. The study reports patients', GPs' and oncologists' experiences and suggestions, not measured outcomes or safety results.