Mp19-20 understanding patient experiences with overactive bladder

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP19-20 UNDERSTANDING PATIENT EXPERIENCES WITH OVERACTIVE BLADDER Hannah Sitto, Casey Brodsky, Daniela Wittmann, Lauren Wallner, Courtney Streur, Melissa Dejonckheere, John Stoffel, Aruna Sarma, J. Quentin Clemens, and Giulia Lane Hannah SittoHannah Sitto More articles by this author , Casey BrodskyCasey Brodsky More articles by this author , Daniela WittmannDaniela Wittmann More articles by this author , Lauren WallnerLauren Wallner More articles by this author , Courtney StreurCourtney Streur More articles by this author , Melissa DejonckheereMelissa Dejonckheere More articles by this author , John StoffelJohn Stoffel More articles by this author , Aruna SarmaAruna Sarma More articles by this author , J. Quentin ClemensJ. Quentin Clemens More articles by this author , and Giulia LaneGiulia Lane More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003244.20AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Overactive bladder (OAB) is highly prevalent, affecting millions of Americans, and poses a significant symptom burden. The purpose of this study was to understand patient experiences with OAB and the impact of these experiences on OAB treatment. METHODS: People with symptoms of OAB were recruited from a tertiary care clinic and from an online health research portal to complete semi-structured interviews regarding their OAB experiences. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and inductively analyzed to identify emerging themes. RESULTS: We performed 19 interviews and identified several key themes central to the patient experience, including symptom impact and severity, knowledge, stigma, self-efficacy, and regret. We considered these themes along the following stages of the patient's OAB journey. Symptom Development and Awareness: The routine of self-care is insidious and normalized, making realization of a lifestyle that is centered around voiding less obvious to patients, leading to a delay of care-seeking. Participants noted restrictions on all aspects of life. Adjectives used to describe symptom impact included “annoyance, depression, humiliation and desperation.” Care-Seeking: Participants expressed coping behaviors during onset and gradual worsening of symptoms, however many recounted a “sentinel event” that heightened their severity perception and served as a cue to action. Routine primary care visit screenings and friend recommendations were additional cues to action. Reasons for care-seeking delay included lack of OAB knowledge, stigma, and embarrassment. Experiences with Therapy: Participants recognized that treatment outcomes depended on their engagement. Some individuals regretted their lack of self-advocacy and self-efficacy. Participants highlighted internal barriers (forgetfulness, doubting treatment effectiveness) and external barriers (comorbidities, COVID-19) to therapy adherence. Among those with high self-efficacy, fear of treatment failure, calendar tools, and social support networks facilitated treatment compliance (Figure 1). CONCLUSIONS: Living with OAB affects patients physically, mentally, and socially. Gaining a better understanding of OAB experiences can help physicians tailor their practice to meet patients’ needs. Source of Funding: NIDDK K-12 (Lane) © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e273 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Hannah Sitto More articles by this author Casey Brodsky More articles by this author Daniela Wittmann More articles by this author Lauren Wallner More articles by this author Courtney Streur More articles by this author Melissa Dejonckheere More articles by this author John Stoffel More articles by this author Aruna Sarma More articles by this author J. Quentin Clemens More articles by this author Giulia Lane More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...