Home > Review Articles > Screening > Transitioning to office-based transperineal prostate biopsy – a case study from a regional New Zealand hospital in economic and environmental sustainability

Transitioning to office-based transperineal prostate biopsy – a case study from a regional New Zealand hospital in economic and environmental sustainability

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 118
Authors:
  • Martin C et al.
Summary:

A study integrating retrospective and prospective data analyses has found that office based transperineal prostate biopsy is cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and offers socially equitable health care delivery. The study assessed changes in clinical workflows, financial savings, environmental impacts, and accessibility to care. Transitioning transperineal prostate biopsy to an office-based setting resulted in annual cost reductions of NZD 302,000, increased procedural capacity, and eliminated hospital admissions associated with transrectal ultrasound-guided-related sepsis. Greenhouse gas emissions were reduced, patient comfort was improved through fewer biopsy cores, health care worker burden was reduced, and access for Māori populations was improved via proposed mobile biopsy units.

Comment:
The findings from these two studies, which focus on health conditions with significant inequities for Māori, reinforce that success in healthcare innovation lies not only in new drugs or devices, but in designing systems that reduce burden, respect relationships, and respond to what matters most to people. When health services reflect whānau realities and values, they can achieve better adherence, less distress, economic benefits, and ultimately, better health for all including for the planet.
Reference: Urology. 2025;203:53-59.
Abstract
Download Article
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

Related Articles

Variation in the use of electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation/flutter according to sex and ethnicity in Aotearoa New Zealand
Variation in the use of electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation/flutter according to sex and ethnicity in Aotearoa New Zealand

Rhythm control procedures are selectively applied and vary by demographic and clinical factors, according to

Find out more
Reducing rates of preterm and early-term singleton births safely in Australia
Reducing rates of preterm and early-term singleton births safely in Australia

An Australian national preterm birth prevention programme led to meaningful reductions in preterm and early-term

Find out more
Effect of ethnicity and parity on utilisation of labour epidural analgesia
Effect of ethnicity and parity on utilisation of labour epidural analgesia

A retrospective study has highlighted ethnic disparities in the utilisation of epidural analgesia at Christchurch

Find out more
View All Reviews

Explore Māori Health Reviews

Dive into our publications and videos content from over 50 areas of medicine including Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Haematology and Psychiatry. 

Reviews

It looks like you are closest to our Australia site.

Australia
Australia
Stay on this site
Find Reviews in Your Clinical Area
Please select your country of practice.
New Zealand
Australia
Terms and Conditions

Website terms of use 

By using our website, you agree to follow these terms and conditions. 

 

Privacy policy 

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy, which is part of these terms. 

 

Copyright and use of website content 

The content of our website is protected by copyright, trademarks, and other legal rights. You can: view, download, or print a single copy of content for your personal or professional use. 

You cannot:  copy, modify, or distribute website content, or use our website content for commercial purposes or in other works without permission. 

 

Links to third-party websites 

The Research Review website may link to third-party websites for your convenience. However: 

We do not endorse or approve their products, services, or actions. 

We are not responsible for their content or how they operate. 

There is no formal partnership between us and third parties unless we clearly state otherwise. 

 

Disclaimer and limitation of liability 

We do our best to keep the information on our website accurate, but we do not guarantee that it is always correct or up to date. 

To the fullest extent allowed by law, we are not responsible for: 

Any loss, damage, or costs you may suffer from using (or being unable to use) our website. 

Any decisions you make based on the information provided. 

Any business losses, such as lost profits, lost data, or business interruptions. 

 

Governing law 

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. If there is a dispute, it must be resolved in a New Zealand court.