Assessing Health Care Need for Prostatectomy

This thesis describes a study that estimated the health care need for prostatectomy in a typical district of 250,000, among men who have both the appropriate indications for treatment and who would choose treatment if offered. It established the appropriate indications for prostatectomy using a literature review and a nominal group type consensus panel consisting of 6 urologists and 3 general practitioners. These were expressed in terms of different combinations of type of retention, type and severity of symptoms, and level of comorbidity. A 2-stage community survey of 2000 men aged 55 and over randomly selected from 8 general practices, using postal questionnaires, was conducted in North West Thames health region. The surveys collected information about: (1) self-reported frequency and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms; (2) the impact of these symptoms on daily activities and on health status; (3) the advice-seeking behaviour of men with symptoms and consequent action of GPs and urologists; and (4) patient preference for treatment. These results were combined to estimate the number of prostatectomies required in a typical district. The overall response rate was 66% (initial survey=78%, follow-up survey=84%). 20% of men reported moderate or severe lower urinary tract symptoms. Of these, 28% found their symptoms to be a medium or big problem and that, depending on the activity, between 9% and 39% experienced interference with their daily activities. Health status, as measured by either the Nottingham Health Profile or the SF-36, worsened as symptom severity increased. Forty five per cent of men with symptoms had seen their general practitioner for their symptoms. Of these, 62% were referred on to a urologist, of which the majority (71 %) were offered, and accepted surgery. When presented with details and information on the risks and benefits of prostatectomy, a substantial proportion (22%) of men with lower urinary tract