Influences on ADT Prescribing in Prostate Cancer Surgery

What is it about?

This study aimed to understand the behavioural determinants of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) prescribing in urologists in two European countries, Italy and the UK This study used an established behavioral science approach using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). The study also investigated how resource limitations caused by COVID-19 influenced this practice. The study used semi-structured qualitative interviews with urologists practicing in Italy and the UK from February to July 2022.

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Photo by Anastasiia Gudantova on Unsplash

Photo by Anastasiia Gudantova on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Ten domains of influence were identified to impact ADT prescribing in the UK, and eight in Italy and were organised into key themes: 'the role of guidance and evidence', 'the cancer care setting and the patients', and 'the urologist's beliefs and experiences'. The similarities and differences between the UK and Italy were distinguished, and the study found that resource limitations caused by COVID-19 affected ADT prescribing practices. The study concludes that strategies to reduce inappropriate ADT prescribing should take into account the similarities and differences between countries. Additionally, where resources should become limited again, learnings from the impact of COVID-19 on ADT prescribing can aid strategy development for resource-limited settings. Key Takeaways: 1. The study identifies key influences on ADT prescribing in urologists in Italy and the UK. 2. The study finds that COVID-19 has had an impact on ADT prescribing practices, with resource limitations causing changes to usual practice. 3. The study suggests that strategies to reduce inappropriate ADT prescribing should take into account the similarities and differences between countries and the impact of COVID-19 on resource-limited settings.