OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an avatar-based, online, self-management program is an effective therapeutic approach for women with overactive bladder (OAB).
OAB is a highly prevalent symptom complex that significantly impacts health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Behavioral interventions can produce substantial improvement in symptoms and HRQOL. Online education programs offer patients with OAB an alternative to face-to-face self-management instruction. Evidence suggests that avatars (digital humans) embedded into online programs may help persuade and motivate patients to adopt healthy behaviors.
METHODS: In a 12-week, randomized, controlled trial, women (aged >55 years) with symptoms of OAB for at least 3 months were randomized to 2 versions of a 3-part, online, self-management program. After collecting the baseline metrics, the intervention group viewed a generic avatar coach with a self-avatar peer mentor designed to resemble the participant, and the control group viewed the identical online program with voice only. Participants viewed part 1 at week 1 and parts 2 and 3 at week 6. Participants completed daily bladder diaries throughout the 12-week period and OAB-related outcome measures at weeks 1, 6, and 12.
RESULTS: Forty-one women completed the study (mean age = 61 years, standard deviation = 6). The analysis of covariance of week-12 outcome measures with the baseline as covariates demonstrated significant improvements in the intervention group in OAB questionnaire HRQOL (P = .02; large effect), 24-hour frequency (P < .001; large effect), night-time urination (P < .001; large effect), urgency (P < .001; large effect), and urge incontinence (P < .001; large effect).
CONCLUSION: An avatar-based intervention embedded into an online self-management program improved OAB HRQOL and symptoms in women.
Written by:
Andrade AD, Anam R, Karanam C, Downey P, Ruiz JG. Are you the author?
Laboratory of E-Learning and Multimedia Research, Bruce W. Carter Miami Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Miami, FL.; Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL; Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
Reference: Urology. 2015 Jan 10. pii: S0090-4295(14)01306-5.
doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2014.11.017
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25586473