Monitoring of prostate cancer screening in the European Union: development of key performance indicators through the PRAISE-U project

Background: 

Monitoring and evaluation of prostate cancer (PCa) screening is key to ensure that the programme achieves the desired objectives. Utilizing a set of prioritized, feasible and harmonized key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial for this purpose. We describe the methodology used to identify the PCa screening KPIs and the outcome of this process within the scope of the EU-funded PRostate cancer Awareness and Initiative for Screening in the EU (PRAISE-U) project. Feasibility of implementing these KPIs will be evaluated in the five pilots set up at multiple sites in the EU (Spain-2 sites, Poland, Ireland, Lithuania). 

Methods: 

The indicators were developed following a structured methodology involving the following steps: (i) Development of a specific conceptual framework for PCa screening is adapted from the existing risk-based algorithms and modified to guide the selection and mapping of indicators (from identification of population eligible for screening to the decision for treatment or follow-up), (ii) Scoping review of literature (coverage from 1971 to June 2023) to identify existing performance indicators for PCa screening to adapt to the new framework with redefining the indicators, where necessary, (iii) Survey among experts (October–November 2023) to select the indicators fulfilling pre-determined criteria such as accuracy of definition and calculation, importance, and feasibility, and (iv) Deliberations among experts to list the finalized set of indicators, held in December 2023. 

Findings: 

A total of 63 KPIs were selected for review using the step-wise methodology as described earlier. Following the review, survey, and deliberations, 21 KPIs were finalized to be piloted in the PRAISE-U project. The resulting 21 KPIs cover the different phases of the screening programme, including invitation, screening test, risk stratification, diagnosis, and also on treatment, harms, and impact. Each KPI has been defined with agreed numerator and denominator. 

Interpretation: 

Continuous monitoring of PCa screening programmes using the KPIs will serve as a powerful tool for optimizing service delivery, programme improvement, comparison per screening site, and ultimately contributing to a better benefit to harm ratio. The KPIs will be implemented in five pilot sites identified to be included in the PRAISE-U project aiming to identify an evidence-based scalable model for risk adapted PCa screening for Europe.