In a recently published article in Läkartidningen (the Swedish Medical Journal), the Prostate Cancer Center at Capio St. Göran’s Hospital is recognized for its structured and cohesive model (the Capio model) which is based on Stockholm3 and provides significantly improved prostate cancer diagnostics and health economics.
The Prostate Cancer Center at Capio St. Göran’s Hospital was established in 2017 with the aim of providing cost-effective prostate cancer diagnostics using new diagnostic methods and efficient, structured processes. To improve the possibility of early detection of prostate cancer and at the same time avoid unnecessary examinations with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsies, Capio St. Göran’s Hospital uses Stockholm3 as a reflex test after PSA.
The recently published article outlines the Capio Model, emphasizing the integral role of Stockholm3 in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, reducing overdiagnosis, enabling diagnosis at low PSA values, reducing resource use, shortening lead-time and improving health economy.
- Enhanced diagnostic precision: Approximately 56% of individuals with suspicious MRI findings were accurately diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer. This enhanced precision ensures timely interventions for improved disease management.
- Reduced overdiagnosis: An achievement of the Capio Model is the significant reduction in overdiagnosis. Only 12% of patients following the model received diagnoses of non-clinically significant prostate cancer.
- Effective detection for low PSA levels: The Capio Model’s success extends to individuals with low PSA levels (below 3). Notably, 48% of men with positive Stockholm3 results and PSA levels below 3 were identified with clinically significant prostate cancer, demonstrating the model’s efficacy in early detection.
- Significantly reduced lead-time: Patients at Capio St Göran experience shorter treatment timelines. Lead times from suspicion to treatment are notably reduced (ranging from 54 to 75 days, depending on treatment), ensuring timely interventions for better patient outcomes.
- Efficient resource utilization: The Capio Model introduces an approach focused on optimal resource utilization and reduced the number of MRI examinations by 46%, the number of doctor’s visits by 89% and the number of biopsies by 41%.
- Improved health economics: From a Swedish perspective, the Capio Model showcases positive health economics. With a 28% cost reduction compared to current practices, Stockholm3 plays a crucial role in delivering cost-effective care.
Professor Henrik Grönberg, the driving force behind the Capio Model, expressed his optimism, stating, “The Capio Model at St. Göran’s Hospital shows that we can significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer for men at risk, while reducing healthcare costs through better diagnostics with Stockholm3, standardized care and efficient delegation of responsibility from doctors to assistant nurses.”
