Educational tool-kit on diet and exercise: survey of prostate cancer patients about to receive androgen deprivation therapy.

Objectives: To test a tool-kit designed to improve well-being in patients with prostate cancer. Lifestyle changes might lessen the metabolic, cardiovascular, and osseous side effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients.

Methods: Urologists supplied 10 consecutive patients initiating ADT with a tool-kit (information brochure, practical guidance on diet and exercise, recipe booklet, and lifestyle diary). The urologists completed a total 4 questionnaires, at study initiation, one at the patients' first and second visits, and one at study completion.

Results: Overall, 91 urologists completed all questionnaires; 585 patients (median age, 75 years) were seen at the first visit, and 511 patients at the second. Patient response rate to the first questionnaire was 62% and 56% to the second. After the first visit, 82% of respondents reported being very glad or glad to receive the kit; among those having read the practical guidance (301/362), 57% had started implementation and 36% intended to do so. After the second visit, 76% were satisfied with the tool-kit and 84% were implementing guidance. Clinician satisfaction rate was 82%: benefits were improved patient dialogue (62%), follow-up (55%), and better explanation of side effects (51%). Only 14 clinicians were not pleased by the tool kit. Their main criticisms (too long, tedious, not tailored to individual needs) matched those of patients.

Conclusions: Written detailed guidance on diet and physical exercise for patients about to receive ADT met a genuine need and was well perceived by both clinicians and patients. Implementation rate was high. However, content should be adapted to patient age and disease stage.