GlaxoSmithKline survey highlights benefits of NICE LUTS guidelines

GlaxoSmithKline has published data from a new survey which highlights the success of recent National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

The pharmaceutical company has conducted a poll of 201 GPs, of whom 46 percent have implemented the NICE guidance, which aims to improve diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of this patient population in primary care settings.

It was found that 80 percent of this group have seen a reduction in referral costs as a result, while the guideline was also credited with giving doctors more confidence when conducting diagnostic tests.

Meanwhile, it was also suggested that the primary reason for GPs failing to implement the NICE guidance was a lack of training and education.

Dr Jon Rees, a GP with a special interest in urology at Backwell and Nailsea Medical Group, said: "These results show the importance of continuing to raise awareness and drive uptake of the guideline to ensure optimal patient care."

GlaxoSmithKline manufactures a number of treatments with applications in combating urinary tract symptoms, including Avodart and Duodart.