The guideline
Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) are common, debilitating conditions, with 35–50% of men reported to be affected by symptoms at some time in their life (1,2).
In 2013, we commissioned some qualitative research to find out more about the experiences of men with symptoms of prostatitis and BPH. The research highlighted the need to improve how prostatitis is managed.
So, in 2014, we put together a Prostatitis Expert Reference Group (PERG) UK to develop a consensus guideline to improve the diagnosis and management of men with CBP and CP/CPPS. Due to the limited number of published RCTs, the PERG concluded that the guideline would benefit from a supporting web-based Delphi panel.
Main objectives
- provide guidance to healthcare professionals treating patients with CBP and CP/CPPS, both in primary and secondary care settings
- improve non-specialists’ awareness and recognition of CBP and CP/CPPS
- promote the efficient referral of care between non-specialists and specialists and the involvement of the MDT
- facilitate the improvement of patient awareness and recognition of CBP and CP/CPPS.
Summary
Listen to Dr Jon Rees summarise the main points of the guideline: