Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome has a diverse etiology that disrupts quality of life domains in affected patients. OAB is significantly under-recognized and undertreated, especially in the primary care setting. In order to educate primary care providers about OAB recognition, evaluation, and management, we created a virtual live-streamed and enduring education program.
We evaluated the impact of education on provider knowledge and self-efficacy via qualitative interviews with a sample of education participants. We analyzed participant responses via constant comparative method, an iterative approach that allows for exploration of a priori issues and identification of emergent themes.
We identified four key themes: 1) taking OAB seriously; 2) variations in therapy; 3) patient motivation; and 4) education value. Participants were proactive about screening for and managing OAB and recognized urgency as a key symptom; some participants used diagnostic tests that are not are not considered necessary in the workup of uncomplicated OAB patients. Participants varied in their descriptions of initial approaches to treatment and most participants described a longer-than-recommended follow-up window to monitor patients. Some participants characterized patients as looking for a "quick fix" in ways that could lead to provider inaction in relation to behavioral/lifestyle interventions. Overall, participants felt the education validated their current practice and provided new knowledge about evaluation, initiating behavioral treatment, and combination therapy.
Participant responses were congruent with education messages, which likely reflects their "readiness to learn". The rationale for diagnostic tests and evidence on the effectiveness of behavioral regimens represent ongoing areas of unmet educational need.
International journal of clinical practice. 2020 Jul 13 [Epub ahead of print]
Wendy Turell, Alexandra Howson, Scott A MacDiarmid, Matt T Rosenberg
Vice President CME Outcomes and Analytics, PlatformQ Health Education, Needham, MA, USA., Thistle Editorial, LLC, 7021 Carmichael Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA, 98065, USA., Alliance Urology Specialists Bladder Control and Pelvic Pain Center., Mid-Michigan Health Centers.