Associations between men’s experiences of prostate cancer care and health related quality-of-life and psychological wellbeing: findings from a national study

Introduction:
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in developed countries. The care experience of cancer patients has been investigated in various countries. These studies show significant variations between patients in experiences of care, with prostate cancer patients reporting significant problems and dissatisfaction. The extent to which these experiences impact on health-related quality-of-life and psychological wellbeing is not well understood.
Objectives:
The PiCTure 2 study aims to assess the care experiences of men recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and investigate associations between experiences and health-related quality-of-life and psychological wellbeing.
Methods:
Men diagnosed with invasive prostate cancer (ICD10 C61) 5-20 months prior to study commencement were identified through the National Cancer Registry. The study questionnaire was based on the Prostate Care Questionnaire (Baker et al. 2007), modified for Ireland and pre-tested using cognitive interviewing. Health-related quality-of-life and psychological wellbeing were assessed using the EQ5D-5L and DASS. The questionnaire was administered by post to >2,200 men during January-February 2013.
Results:
More than 950 completed questionnaires have so far been received. Men's experiences will be compared by time since diagnosis, age at diagnosis, treatments received and socio-demographic factors. Factors which contribute to positive/negative experiences will be highlighted and the extent to which these are associated with health related quality-of-life (utility) and psychological wellbeing (depression, anxiety and distress) described.
Conclusions:
If care experiences are associated with health-related quality-of-life and psychological wellbeing, this provides further rationale for initiatives to improve quality of care.