Many doctors ignorant about CP/CPPS

[webslave]

Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2009 Apr 7.

Primary care physician practices in the diagnosis, treatment and management of men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Calhoun EA, Clemens JQ, Litwin MS, Walker-Corkery E, Markossian T, Kusek JW, McNaughton-Collins M.
Division of Health Policy and Administration, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA.

To describe practice patterns of primary care physicians (PCPs) for the diagnosis, treatment and management of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), we surveyed 556 PCPs in Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles (RR=52%). Only 62% reported ever seeing a patient like the one described in the vignette. In all, 16% were 'not at all' familiar with CP/CPPS, and 48% were 'not at all' familiar with the National Institutes of Health classification scheme. PCPs reported practice patterns regarding CP/CPPS, which are not supported by evidence. Although studies suggest that CP/CPPS is common, many PCPs reported little or no familiarity, important knowledge deficits and limited experience in managing men with this syndrome.

PubMed abstract

[Jay]

Hi,

This isn't surprising to me, but it's still disturbing and unfortunate. Most people are going to make their first stop at the PCP when they come down with pelvic pain. Throw in a non-infectious source and you're left with a stumped doctor, as well as a frightened patient.

As common as this condition is, I don't understand why it isn't better known among physicians, even to a mild extent. I understand that the majority of urologists are disinterested due to lack of profitability, but PCPs normally aren't performing procedures/surgeries anyhow.

[webslave]

Yes, as I commented here, the latest edition of the MD's "bible", Harrison's, is still totally misinformed on the topic of UCPPS.