Prescriber monitoring for benign prostatic hyperplasia within a family medicine clinic: a comparison of medication classes

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare prescriber monitoring for safety and efficacy of medication classes used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with BPH who were prescribed medications within a family medicine clinic between January 2008 and August 2010. Patients were divided into those receiving nonselective and uroselective alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), and combination therapy. A chart review was performed with regard to predetermined criteria to monitor how efficacy and adverse effects were assessed by providers in the clinic.

Results: A general genitourinary assessment was documented most frequently for patients receiving 5-ARIs and least frequently in patients receiving nonselective alpha-blockers. A digital rectal examination was documented in 11% of patients. Prostate-specific antigen concentrations were assessed evenly across all medication classes and documented in 47% of eligible patients. However, the American Urological Association Symptom Index and quality-of-life questions were not performed on any patients, and assessments of adverse effects were not documented.

Conclusion: Although prescribers in a family medicine clinic recorded a general genitourinary assessment for patients receiving BPH medications, a more standardized approach is needed.