Systematic development of a guideline for early detection of prostate cancer: the German way in the evidence gap.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an evidence-based guideline, helping physcians make prudent decisions about diagnostic care for men wishing to undergo examination for early detection of prostate cancer.


METHODS
A guideline development group, comprised of twenty healthcare professionals, including urologists, clinical chemists, pathologists, geriatricians, epidemiologists, technicians and a member of a patient self-help group, systematically gathered, evaluated, and discussed the most recent research available on early detection of prostate cancer. Nominal group technique (NGT) was employed to facilitate the decision-making process.


RESULTS
The NGT was sufficient to find a consensus among different medical disciplines in a timely fashion. A standardized guideline, containing a short version for physicians and a standardized patient information booklet, for nation-wide use was developed.


CONCLUSIONS
Population-based screening is not favoured, instead information should be given to men in their 50-70s, to enable shared decision-making between physician and patient for or against PSA-based early detection of prostate cancer.
Luboldt
H-J
HJ
Department of Urology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, Essen, Germany. Drhluboldt@aol.com
Fornara
P
P
Weissbach
L
L
Wirth
M
M
Lorenz
W
W
Rübben
H
H
D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013997:Time Factors