Helping doctors utilize the prostate-specific antigen effectively: An online randomized controlled trial (The DUPE trial)

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of an information aid (IA) on doctor's knowledge about the strengths and limitations of prostate-specific antigen/digital rectal examination (PSA/DRE) testing, and to help doctors make better and more informed decisions about prostate cancer screening. Methods: An online randomized trial among 45 doctors in Victoria's public health-care network that fulfilled CONSORT requirements was conducted. Participants were randomized to either immediate or delayed access to an online IA, and knowledge was compared across both groups at the conclusion of the trial. Results: Doctors spent a mean time of 4:04 (95% confidence interval: 0.53-7:52) reading and completing the IA. Those who read IA were more knowledgeable (mean score out of 9, 7.45 versus 5.75, P < 0.0001). Potential harms and current literature findings were better recognized, as well as having a better understanding of what is meant by the term screening. Eighty-twopercent found that IA helped them understand prostate cancer screening, and 73% found it easy to understand. Conclusion: The IA increased knowledge, took minimal time to complete and was found to be helpful in understanding prostate cancer screening. Practical implications: The IA is an easy-to-access resource that improves knowledge regarding the strengths and limitations of the PSA/DRE test for prostate cancer screening. Doctors who are unsure how to summarize the latest evidence should be directed towards the IA.