UROLATAM Project: A multidisciplinary comprehensive care project for prostate cancer

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Prostate Cancer (PCa) represents a health problem in the world and its management is heterogeneous in care, depending on the resources each country has, modifying its effectiveness in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Methods The UROLATAM program was implemented based on the Design Thinking quadruple helix innovation model, consisting of the immersion, design, idea and prototype phases, characterized by being multidisciplinary and comprehensive. Teachers and students from different careers at the Universidad Veracruzana participated. Linkages were made with: Local government, government health institutions, colleges of specialist doctors, private institutions and civil society. This program was broadcast on radio, television and social networks inviting the population to participate in education and prevention activities, in addition to participating in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up actions for men over 40 years of age. The duration of the program was 4 days, including educational sessions for doctors, patients, family members and caregivers, as well as determination of prostate-specific antigen, urological consultation and prostate ultrasound, as well as rehabilitation exercises, diagnostic confirmation and treatment. who needed it. Results During the sessions, 944 patients aged 60.7 (±15.0) years were treated, 443 (47%) had never received a urological consultation, identifying a prevalence of 11.7% of Cap. The human team present with the patient was 25 specialist doctors, 16 medical residents, 38 undergraduate students, 3 rehabilitators and 6 administrative staff. None of the participants received a salary for participating in this project. Conclusions The multidisciplinary UROLATAM linkage project constitutes a useful educational, training and assistance tool for the population, as well as an educational element for the students who are part of the work team. Key messages • The UROLATAM project is replicable in countries that require additional support in the prostate cancer approach. • The structure of the UROLATAM project can be replicated to address other public health problems.