The Approaches Taken by Family Physicians in Turkey Regarding Prostate Patients and Prostate Specific Antigen

Abstract

Anahtar KelimelerAlt Üriner Sistem Semptomları; Hekim; Aile; Prostat; Prostat Spesifik Antijen Abstract Aim: This survey study questioned family physicians about their approaches to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and about the clinical application of total and free prostate-specific antigens (tPSA and fPSA). Material and Method: The survey link was prepared online and sent to an email group for family physicians. The survey had 14 questions, none of which identified the respondents, concerning approaches to male patients with LUTS. Some questions were multiple choice and others allowed multiple answers to be chosen. The results were graphed and interpreted. Results: A total of 350 family physicians responded online. While 250 (72%) were family physician assistants or experts, 214 (61%) worked in family health centers. Of the 300 (85%) family physicians who had seen male patients with LUTS, only 64 (20%) stated that they performed a prostate examination. While 298 (99%) of the physicians prescribed alpha blockers, 234 (78%) physicians stated they requested a tPSA, and 134 (44%) answered that they requested an fPSA. Of the 134 physicians, 104 requested an fPSA without regard to the tPSA value. Discussion: The study identified differences in the approaches of family physicians to male patients with LUTS. DRE was not performed for the majority of patients and, as a result, unnecessary requests for fPSA were made. Increased awareness of approaches to LUTS patients can be provided for family physicians at events such as in-service training and scientific congresses.