Effect of an Educational Multimedia Prostate Program on the International Prostate Symptom Score

Objective: To determine the effect of an interactive multimedia prostate education program (MMP) on self assessment of symptom scores due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: The interactive MMP was developed including a computer-administered version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire. Eighty-eight men referred to the Urology Out-patients with prostatic symptoms entered the study. They first completed the IPSS on paper and secondly used the MMP before completing the computer-administered IPSS. A final feedback questionnaire enquiring into their experience including previous exposure to computers, ease of use, and value of the program content was completed. Results: The use of the MMP resulted in a significant decrease in mean IPSS score from 16.6 to 13.9 (t = 7.456, d.f. = 87, p < 0.01), but no change in quality of life. Patients felt that their knowledge had increased (χ 2 (1) = 21.253, p < 0.01) and that they had completed the IPSS more accurately (χ 2 (1) = 10.227, p < 0.01) with the MMP IPSS module compared to the IPSS on paper. Previous use of patient education, patient characteristics and MMP use beyond the information required for the IPSS did not affect IPSS difference (IPSS before versus after MMP use). Conclusion: The use of the MMP enhanced patients’ knowledge of their condition and reduced patients’ IPSS score. The results were independent of previous exposure to information, previous IPSS completion, computer use and age.