Views of People Living with Prostate Disease
We visited a prostate cancer support group to speak to attendees about prostate specific services but also health care in its wider spectrum. This reports highlights the responses and views we received.
Summary:
20 men participated in the research. The feedback was themes into 4 areas: communication, PSA testing, access to primary care and other general comments about health care. The key findings are:
- Communication with specialist prostate services could be improved.
- Better communication between patient and GP would help as many individuals felt there was a lack of transparency and knowledge.
- The men would prefer to be able to go direct to their specialist if they had any future concerns as opposed to their GP who wasn’t as knowledgeable in this area.
- The men acknowledged the improved PSA tests and felt this was more dignified, sufficient and allowed time to plan and prepare.
- The men identified problems with getting through to their GP to make appointments via the phone.
- Long waiting times frustrated the men and they highlighted a lack of understanding from receptionists when trying to get through.
- There was a mention of the use of TEC to make appointments and this was seen as useful for those that used it.
- There were very mixed comments about health care in general. Some commented on funding and how it is spent whilst others highlighted the need to emphasise the importance of fitness and healthy lifestyles.
Conclusion:
Some individuals found it difficult to access their GP however the use of TEC was valuable in aiding this.
The improved PSA testing was acknowledged and specialist nurse/clinician support was very much appreciated and valued.
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For the full report, click on the link below:
Views of People Living with Prostate Disease
