ProstaCard: Developing Novel Interactive Tools for Patient Education and Decision-Making in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Management

Abstract

Introduction: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) presents significant challenges for patient comprehension and decision-making due to its intricate nature and the multitude of available treatment options. Educational interventions are increasingly acknowledged as effective means of addressing these challenges. This study focused on the development and assessment of ‘ProstaCard’, an interactive educational tool designed to enhance patient understanding of BPH and support informed decision-making in its management. Methods: The development of the tool involved a collaborative effort among urologists, game designers, and educators. The prototype was iteratively refined through an analysis of patient needs and feedback from healthcare professionals. To evaluate the tool’s efficacy in enhancing patient knowledge and decision-making skills, a preliminary pre-test/post-test design was utilized. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from patients and healthcare providers to assess the tool's impact. Discussion: The results demonstrate that ‘ProstaCard’ substantially enhanced patients' understanding of BPH and their capacity to make informed decisions regarding treatment options. The tool successfully engaged participants in the educational process and facilitated dialogue between patients and healthcare providers. Nevertheless, additional research is required to investigate the long-term impact of the tool on patient outcomes and its potential integration into clinical practice. ‘ProstaCard’ shows potential as a novel educational tool for enhancing patient understanding and decision-making in the management of BPH. By offering an interactive and informative platform, the tool enables patients to engage more actively in their care, which may lead to improved treatment outcomes. Ongoing development and assessment of the tool are crucial to maximizing its effectiveness and applicability in clinical environments.