Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia--Educational Videotape

The research will develop a 20 to 30 minute state-of-the-science videotape that makes availableto newly diagnosed BPH patients information about benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), its causes,treatment and prevention. Video communication to BPH patients can improve a range of patientoutcomes such as knowledge levels, enhancement of compliance, patient empowerment and informeddecision making, reduction of anxiety and other dimensions of quality of life (over and above clinicalimprovement of the condition). During Phase I, they will develop, with urology colleagues from theBoston University (BU) School of Medicine, a script treatment for the program. It will containing accuratephysiologic, biomedical and psycho social information on BPH, the likely trajectory of the disease, andtreatment alternatives available. During Phase II, the applicant will produce a program on the causes,nature, and consequences of BPH. The program will emphasize the concerns of those experiencing thecondition for the first time. They will conduct an evaluation experiment with patients at the BU SchoolMedicine, to determine whether the video produces improvement in a range of patient outcomesincluding increased patient understand of the condition, improved medical compliance and quality of life.