Patient Preferences for Next Generation Neural Prostheses to Restore Bladder Function

Spinal Cord, 2011 · DOI: 10.1038/sc.2010.65 · Published: January 1, 2011

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Experience Neurology

Simple Explanation

The study uses a survey to understand what features of neural prostheses (NPs) are most important to people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) when considering bladder function restoration. Patients were asked to choose between different treatment scenarios with varying characteristics to determine which features they valued most. The study aims to help design better NPs that are more likely to be accepted and used by individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

66 individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Side effects were the most important factor influencing patient choices, followed by the effectiveness of the NP on continence and voiding.
2
NPs using rhizotomy-free sacral root stimulation were preferred over pudendal nerve stimulation and sacral root stimulation with rhizotomy.
3
Almost twenty percent of the respondents indicated that they did not want to have a NP at all.

Research Summary

This study investigated patient preferences for neural prostheses (NPs) to restore bladder function in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) using choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis. The results showed that side effects, continence, and voiding effectiveness were key factors influencing patient choices, with a preference for rhizotomy-free sacral root stimulation. The findings suggest that designing NPs with minimal side effects and complete bladder function restoration is crucial for improving acceptance and clinical implementation among individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Device Design

Focus on minimizing side effects and maximizing effectiveness on continence and voiding when designing neural prostheses.

Treatment Options

Consider rhizotomy-free sacral root stimulation as a potentially more appealing option for patients.

Patient Education

Address concerns about invasiveness and side effects to improve acceptance of neural prostheses.

Study Limitations

1
The study was not designed to allow for subgroup analyses.
2
The number of patients in the subgroups of completely and incompletely paralysed patients was limited.
3
The levels chosen for 'costs' might not have been appropriate.

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