Men's health GP educational event
GP education day with Prostate Cancer UK
As providers of online healthcare, we feel passionately about its future potential. We believe it is our responsibility to spread the message, not only to our patients, but also to our fellow practitioners.
The event
Back in November 2019, our clinicians from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor hosted an exciting educational event for GPs. The event took place at the Royal College of Physicians in London and focussed on men’s health.
We were lucky enough to be joined by 50 attendees, as well as advocates from Prostate Cancer UK. This made it an exciting opportunity to discuss the benefits of digital healthcare in the world of men’s health and to initiate a roundtable discussion on recent changes to practice in the subject area.
During the event, Prof. Michael Kirby FRCP, Editor of ‘Trends in Urology & Men’s Health’, delivered a session on behalf of Prostate Cancer UK which discussed the PSA test and whether the balance between the harm and benefits of the test can be shifted. The PSA test is a blood test that can help diagnose prostate problems, including prostate cancer.
On general men’s health, Dr Ali Mears from Imperial College London gave an informative update on the diagnosis and management of premature ejaculation. He discussed how patients experiencing premature ejaculation (some healthcare professionals prefer to use the term 'rapid ejaculation') can be identified. He also went into detail on how to perform an appropriate assessment of sexual problems and how best to to understand and manage the condition.
Our very own Dr Kieran Seyan outlined how digital healthcare can help clinicians in daily practice, particularly when it comes to men’s health. While it is a positive that so many men are accessing online healthcare, we need to be sure the sector operates under strict control and our service is based on sound clinical knowledge. He highlighted the importance of regular auditing and safety checks throughout the world of online healthcare.
Dr Kieran Seyan at the GP educational event
The Feedback
Interestingly, we found that only 19% of the GP and pharmacist attendees were comfortable advocating for use of online service before the event. Following a feedback questionnaire about the event, this percentage rose to 96%, some of the comments we received included:
“Much more open to considering it for certain patients”
“Less sceptical than previously. Inspired to get involved”.
“After this meeting, it’s the way of the future”
This was an exciting day to be a part of and will undoubtedly be the first of many events with PCUK and other charities – watch this space!
If you're a GP or healthcare professional and would like to find out more about these events, email [email protected].
If you would like to find out more about Prostate Cancer UK, their support services for men and how they can support health professionals, you can visit their website for more information.
