Evaluating a Digital Intervention for Overactive Bladder

Evaluating a Digital Intervention for Overactive Bladder: Protocol for a Single-arm, Multisite Pilot Clinical Trial

Overactive Bladder is characterised by (I) Urgency: the sudden and compelling desire to pass urine with or without accidental leakage; (II) Frequency: the need to pass urine far more regularly than is considered normal; and (III) Nocturia: the need to pass urine several times during the night. This study aims to investigate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a digital intervention (the NUIG OAB App) for overactive bladder. Furthermore, this study will help determine the most appropriate outcomes for use in the future definitive RCT and the effect size for future sample size calculations. Participants will complete an 8-week intervention designed to reduce the symptoms of OAB, delivered through the NUIG OAB App. Participants will be asked to complete online surveys at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks and an in-app Bladder Diary at weeks 1 and 8. There will be no in-person contact with participants by the study team.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. On waiting list for Urogynaecologist at participating hospital
2. Referred for Overactive bladder from GP
3. Symptoms of Overactive bladder to include at least one of the following: urgency of urination, frequency of urination or urge incontinence.
4. Female
5. 18 years or older
6. Own a smartphone

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Active/Recurrent urinary tract infection
2. Urinary retention
3. Bladder Pain Syndrome/ interstitial cystitis
4. Pelvic/gynae cancer
5. Pregnant
6. Dementia
7. Kidney problems
8. Stroke
9. Have/had a neuro-stimulation implant for treatment of OAB