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Karschuck P, Groeben C, Koch R, Krones T, Neisius A, von Ahn S, Klopf C, Weikert S, Siebels M, Haseke N, Weissflog C, Baunacke M, Thomas C, Liske P, Tosev G, Benusch T, Schostack M, Stein J, Spiegelhalder P, Ihrig A, Huber J
Urologists’ Estimation of Online Support Group Utilization Behavior of Their Patients With Newly Diagnosed Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer in Germany: Predefined Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Urologists underestimate the online support group use by their patients with newly diagnosed non-metastatic prostate cancer: a predefined secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Germany
Philipp Karschuck;
Christer Groeben;
Rainer Koch;
Tanja Krones;
Andreas Neisius;
Sven von Ahn;
Christian Klopf;
Steffen Weikert;
Michael Siebels;
Nikolas Haseke;
Christian Weissflog;
Martin Baunacke;
Christian Thomas;
Peter Liske;
Georgi Tosev;
Thomas Benusch;
Martin Schostack;
Joachim Stein;
Philipp Spiegelhalder;
Andreas Ihrig;
Johannes Huber
ABSTRACT
Background:
The range of equivalent treatment options makes peer-to-peer counseling for non-metastatic prostate cancer a particular challenge. In addition to traditional face-to-face support groups (F2FGs), online support groups (OSGs) are becoming increasingly important, especially in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Objective:
Aim of this study was to investigate several aspects concerning F2FGs and OSGs: utilization behavior, physician advice, and psychosocial characteristics. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were also considered.
Methods:
We investigated 687 patients from 116 urological practices before primary treatment of non-metastatic prostate cancer. At the 1-year follow-up visit, we asked patients and urologists about their experiences with peer-to-peer support.
Results:
Before COVID-19, 7 (2%) patients attended a F2FG, after which no more patients attended. OSGs were used by 76 (25%) before and 89 (24%) during the pandemic. OSG users had higher levels of anxiety and depression, and 46 (38%) reported that OSG was helpful for decision-making. Almost all treating physicians were unaware of their patients' participation in OSGs (3% vs. 24%).
Conclusions:
Physicians are more aware of traditional F2FGs than OSGs; however, F2FGs play a minor role only. Urologists significantly underestimate the frequency with which OSGs are used. Peer-to-peer support groups are more likely to be attended by patients with elevated levels of anxiety and depression. More evidence about effects of peer-to-peer groups is needed to support more targeted interventions. Clinical Trial: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS-ID DRKS00014627
Citation
Please cite as:
Karschuck P, Groeben C, Koch R, Krones T, Neisius A, von Ahn S, Klopf C, Weikert S, Siebels M, Haseke N, Weissflog C, Baunacke M, Thomas C, Liske P, Tosev G, Benusch T, Schostack M, Stein J, Spiegelhalder P, Ihrig A, Huber J
Urologists’ Estimation of Online Support Group Utilization Behavior of Their Patients With Newly Diagnosed Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer in Germany: Predefined Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial