Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41316212›Full record

ArticleBMC urology2025

PRE-POET: a qualitative interview-based study to explore patient-relevant factors in the context of prostate biopsy.

Jan G Halbich, August Sigle, George Jogho, Erik Farin-Glattacker, Gabriele Dreier, Urs A Fichtner

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC urology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Jan G HalbichDepartment of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg - Medical Centre, Freiburg, Germany. jan.gero.halbich@uniklinik-freiburg.de.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0002-3013-3181
August SigleDepartment of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg - Medical Centre, Freiburg, Germany.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6857-8149
George JoghoSection of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0000-3268-6324
Erik Farin-GlattackerSection of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6867-0316
Gabriele DreierClinical Trials Unit, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0008-7908-8258
Urs A FichtnerSection of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4190-8969

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionProstate biopsy is a key diagnostic tool for prostate cancer and is often associated with physical, emotional, and social challenges. To enhance future multicenter trial designs for diagnostic precision, understanding patient-relevant outcomes is essential. Current evidence on patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) in the context of prostate biopsies remains limited, particularly regarding perioperative biopsychosocial impacts. This study aimed to explore patient-relevant factors, including concerns, side effect tolerance, and preferences, to inform future trials through patient and public involvement (PPI). METHODOLOGY: A prospective monocentric qualitative study was conducted with 12 male patients (mean age: 69.8 years) who underwent prostate biopsy. Preprocedure semistructured telephone-based interviews were conducted from May to August 2024 in Freiburg, Germany, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed via deductive-inductive content analysis. Intercoder reliability reached a kappa of 0.73. A short questionnaire was used to collect background data. The interviews addressed themes such as study motivation, fears, diagnostic precision, side effects, communication preferences, and other outcomes relevant to patients.

resultsThe participants expressed fears about physical side effects (e.g., pain, incontinence, and erectile dysfunction) and potential cancer diagnoses. While most patients tolerate temporary side effects for the sake of diagnostic accuracy, potential long-term effects raise concerns. Trust in the medical team's expertise, the reputation of the medical center, and transparent communication were identified as crucial for patient satisfaction. Many participants showed altruistic motivation to contribute to research but emphasized the importance of shorter waiting times and clear communication regarding biopsy risks and benefits. The biopsychosocial model was evident, as patients reported interconnected physical, psychological, and social burdens. Preferences for open, empathetic communication and reduced procedural invasiveness were recurrent themes.

conclusionsThis study highlights the multidimensional nature of patient experiences with prostate biopsy, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered research. Transparent communication, trust, and minimizing invasiveness while ensuring diagnostic accuracy are essential for improving patient satisfaction and reducing anxiety. The findings provide valuable insights for designing future studies and underline the importance of incorporating patient-relevant outcomes in clinical research and decision-making.

trial registrationThis study was registered at the University Medical Center of Freiburg Clinical Trial Register (FRKS005027).

Indexed as

Patient Reported Outcome MeasuresProstateProstatic NeoplasmsAgedBiopsyHumansInterviews as TopicMaleMiddle AgedProspective StudiesQualitative ResearchAdverse effectsDiagnostic techniques and proceduresImage-guided biopsyPatient involvementPatient reported outcome measurePatient satisfactionProstatic neoplasm

Identifiers

PMID41316212
PMCPMC12667091

What Socratic holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.