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Abstract
Objective
To investigate how GPs use the PSA test as a diagnostic tool in daily practice.
Design
Qualitative study using focus group interviews, the transcripts being analyzed by systemic text condensation.
Subjects
A total of 17 Norwegian GPs in three CME groups.
Main outcome measures
Exploring GPs’ attitudes to national guidelines and the practical use of the PSA test.
Results
Detecting prostate cancer in general practice is a common and important, but difficult diagnostic issue. Our participants experienced uncertainty regarding the test when to use it, how to interpret the results and when to refer to specialist health services.
Conclusion
The study revealed a general ambivalence to the use of PSA. Many patients present urological problems, and many are afraid of having cancer. PSA is commonly used, but sometimes generates problems rather than solving them.
Implications
The use of the PSA test should be based on a thorough clinical assessment and in close collaboration with the patient.
Many patients in general practice present urological problems, and many are afraid of having cancer.
GPs have a general ambivalence to the use of PSA when to use it, how to interpret the results and when to refer to specialist health services.
The use of PSA sometimes generates problems rather than solving them.
Key points
Ethics approval and consent to participate
The study was approved by the Data Protection Officer at Stavanger University Hospital (ID 549/2017). The participants' GPs gave their written consent prior to participation. To preserve the anonymity of the informants, we chose not to mark whom the citations came from.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).