In a nutshell
This study examined if behavioral therapy checklists are effective in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). This study concluded that behavioral therapy for OAB can be more effective when checklist instructions are used.
Some background
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a sudden, frequent urge to urinate. It may result in urge incontinence (inability to hold on to urine). OAB urination involves empty the bladder eight or more times a day, and two or more times at night. OAB can have a negative impact on the quality of life.
Medications such as antimuscarinics can be taken to calm the muscles and nerves which cause OAB. Behavioral therapy is also used to treat OAB. This involves avoiding certain types of fluids, stopping smoking, training the bladder, losing weight and going to the toilet before bed. To date, checklist instructions are not routinely used in behavioral therapy.
It is not known if behavioural therapy checklists are effective in the treatment of OAB.
Methods & findings
110 patients with OAB took part in this study. They were assigned to one of 4 groups. Group 1 included 29 patients who used behavioral therapy and were provided with written guidelines. 27 patients in group 2 used behavioral therapy and were provided with a written checklist. 26 patients in group 3 received medication and behavioral therapy, without a checklist. 28 patients received medication and a written checklist for behavioral treatment (group 4). This study was carried out over a 6-month period.
64.3% of patients in group 4 responded to treatment. 85.7% of this group adhered to the treatment. This means they returned empty pill packets, recorded their bladder diary and completed the checklist. This was seen to be the most successful treatment. Response to treatment was lower for group 1 (17.2%), group 2 (44.4%) and group 3 (53.8%).
75.4% of patients in group 4 persisted with treatment. This means there were no gaps of greater than 30 days without taking the medication. This is compared to 60.2% of patients in group 3.
The bottom line
This study concluded that behavioral therapy for OAB can be more effective when checklist instructions are provided.
The fine print
This was a small study. Larger studies with more patients are required.
Published By :
Neurourology and urodynamics
Date :
Mar 14, 2019
