Prostate-specific health-related quality of life and patient-physician communication - A 3.5-year follow-up

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine associations between prostate-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and aspects of patient-physician communication in localized prostate cancer treatment.

Methods: Data of patients with localized prostate cancer were collected at 6-month intervals over a 3.5-year period within a prospective, observational study (HAROW). Data collection comprised D'Amico risk categories, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, patient-physician communication (information, shared decision making, support, devotion), and prostate-specific HRQOL (incontinence aid, urinary symptoms, bowel symptoms, hormonal treatment-related symptoms, sexual functioning, sexual activity). Data of N = 1722 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were analyzed by longitudinal multilevel analysis.

Results: The mean patient age was 65 years; 31% had a low risk and 38% an intermediate risk of cancer growth and spread; 73% had a Charlson Comorbidity Index of 0. Significant associations were found between prostate-specific HRQOL and shared decision making, support and devotion. Patient information was not significantly associated with aspects of prostate-specific HRQOL.

Conclusion: Patient reported long term outcomes are associated with aspects of patient-physician communication in prostate cancer patients. Patients feeling involved by their urologists experience less side effects of (surgical) treatment.

Practice implications: Special communication training programmes should be developed and implemented for urologists.

Keywords: Communication; Patient reported outcome; Prostate-specific health-related quality of life; Prostatectomy; Shared decision making.