Life expectancy calculation in urology: Are we equitably treating older patients?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to determine the contemporary practice in the utilization of life expectancy (LE) calculations among urological clinicians. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Members of the Irish Society of Urology (ISU) and the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) completed a questionnaire on LE utilization in urological practice. RESULTS: The survey was delivered to 1251 clinicians and the response rate was 17% (n = 208/1251). The majority (61%, n = 127) of urologists were aware of methods available for estimated LE calculation. Seventy-one percent (n = 148) had never utilized LE analysis in clinical practice and 81% (n = 170) routinely used 'eyeballing' (empiric prediction) for estimating LE. Life expectancy tables were utilized infrequently (12%, n = 25) in making the decision for treatment in the setting of multi-disciplinary meetings. CONCLUSIONS: LE is poorly integrated into treatment decision-making; not only for the management of urological patients but also in the multidisciplinary setting. Further education and awareness regarding the importance of LE is vital.