Diagnostic Journeys in Prostate Cancer (DJiP)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Diagnostic Journeys in Prostate Cancer (DJiP): How long does it take to diagnose and what may facilitate timely diagnosis?
IRAS ID
233732
Contact name
Julia Hiscock
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bangor University, School of Healthcare Sciences
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
The primary aim of the study is to describe, in detail, the diagnostic journeys of men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer from the first symptom/s to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and determine the factors and influences that contribute to their diagnostic journey.
Specific objectives are:
1. To prospectively recruit new patients with prostate cancer across Wales, obtain data relating to their diagnostic journey (e.g. symptoms, tests), and obtain complementary data from their GPs and diagnosing urologists in order to identify a number of issues including
a. Adherence to NICE guidance
b. Effectiveness of PSA and DRE in the diagnostic pathway
c. Investigation of ‘non-qualifying’ patients
d. How often the key symptoms are seen in primary and secondary care, and how often these are due to ‘significant’ prostate cancer
2. From these data, identify patients that have had longer, prompt or asymptomatic diagnostic journeys and undertake semi-structured interviews with a sample of these patients to explore the influences, interactions and the context of the differing diagnostic timelines.
3. To hold focus groups with a sample of GP practices, to explore the management of patients with potential prostate symptoms, use of investigations, interpretation and use of guidelines and communicating with patients
4. To identify best practice in the identification of men with symptoms for testing to ensure effective diagnosis of prostate cancer, whilst minimizing the harm of over-diagnosis
Achieving the main aim and objectives will allow the main findings to inform policy and practice, especially how adherence to guidelines in Wales may be improved, with the intention of improving the diagnosis. The main findings will be assimilated as recommendations, for practice, policy and future research.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EM/0233
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion