Systematic development of a guideline for early detection of prostate cancer: the German way in the evidence gap.

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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.