MASTERCLASS REPORT - THE ABC OF PROSTATE DISEASES2 June 2006, Royal Society of Medicine, LondonProstate Research Campaign’s second free seminar for By: Andrea Kon |
 |
Following a review of our Awareness and Training programmes, including discussions with our supporters, other charities, Urology Nurses, GPs and Practice Nurses it became apparent that there was a real need for training in the latest developments in prostate care for GPs, Nurses and other healthcare workers. It was decided therefore to create a masterclass programme to be available free of charge and to be CPD accredited. [Also paying for local travel costs and course attendance by members of the British Association of Urological Nurses (BAUN).]
More than 140 doctors, practice managers, nurses and health care professionals from all over London and the Home Counties were treated to Prostate Research Campaign UK’s second free master class on The ABC of Prostate Diseases at the Royal Society of Medicine on June 2nd, sponsored by Prostate Research Campaign UK in association with the HSA Charitable Trust. The first free seminar was held in Manchester earlier in the year.
Chaired by the charity’s Chief Executive, Brigadier John Anderson, participants were addressed by experts in the field, including the charity’s Chairman of Trustees, Professor Roger Kirby, Clinical Oncologist Dr Heather Payne, Urology Nurse Specialist Kate Holmes and psychiatrist Dr Brian Wells, on all aspects of possible causes, diagnosis and treatment options for the three main prostate diseases, including prostatitis, benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer. They were offered insight into the benefits of PSA testing and information about the latest research and newest treatment options by Mr Mark Feneley, a Senior Lecturer in Urological Oncology at the Institute of Urology at the University of London.
Perhaps the most moving personal account of the day came from patient and charity trustee, Richard Killick, first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996. He spoke with disarming frankness of the effect the disease has had on his personal life and that of his family, the side-effects of drugs treatments, and with calm confidence, of his determination to overcome any recurrence of the problem.
Later, practice nurse Jane Risley, from the Brocklebank Health Centre in Tooting said: “I found the whole experience extremely helpful. As a result of today’s conference, I have a far greater understanding of prostate disease and its implications. As far as our Practice is concerned, today’s experience will change the way I manage patients as I now understand prostate diseases much better. I will ensure new protocols are put in place to ensure that all men over the age of 45 are asked about their family prostate history and made aware of the importance of watching out for symptoms of prostate disease.”
Practice nurse Wendy Prescott, who works at the Brunswick Park Medical Practice in Ossidge Lane, Southgate and as a urological nurse at Barnet Hospital in north London added: “This master class has been extremely useful and has widened my experience on prostate disease considerably.”
Afternote: Attendees evaluated the seminar and the results exceeded our highest expectations: 98% said that they would attend another such seminar and 94% rated the overall seminar experience “Excellent”. We received one unprecedented comment: 100% said that they would recommend the seminar to their colleagues.