Second BPC study evening for GPs is rated a success

22nd November 2011

Birmingham Prostate Clinic held its second GP study evening in Solihull, with 90 per cent of attendees rating the day as “excellent” or “good”.

The event on November 8 at the SIMTR Centre next to Parkway Hospital in Solihull was well attended by 25 GPs working across the borough.

A major focus of the evening was upon the PSA test (prostate specific antigen) – when a GP should refer a patient with an elevated result to a urologist and how to manage prostate cancer risk.

“We know this is an area GPs have many questions about and there are no simple ‘black and white’ answers,” explains Alan Doherty, Consultant Urologist of BPC, who ran the session with BPC colleague consultant urologist John Parkin.

“We discussed the new assessment tools which now play a key part in assessing prostate cancer risk – the PCA3 test and enhanced MRI before biopsy.

“It was good to have a full and frank discussion with GPs, debating how principles of PSA management should be applied in primary care.”

There was also a lecture from BPC urologist Paul Anderson who has a national reputation for his specialist work in penile and urethral reconstruction.

The evening was completed with a focus on benign prostatic hyperplasia and LUTS, which are very common reasons for older men to see their GP.

Mr Doherty discussed how mild to moderate symptoms can be managed in primary care and for those in need of surgical intervention, how GreenLight laser treatment offers an effective and minimally invasive treatment option.

Of the 16 GPs who completed evaluation, 15 rated the event as “good” or “excellent”, with particular praise for the focus on GPs, the PSA guidance and for unbiased information.

More information

BPC is happy to organise more informal talks in GP practices. For more information, please contact Wendy Bond on 07730216306.