Preliminary validation of a Urinary Symptom Questionnaire for individuals with Neuropathic Bladder using Intermittent Catheterization (USQNB-IC): A patient-centered patient reported outcome

PLoS ONE, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0197568 · Published: July 10, 2018

Simple Explanation

This study focuses on developing and validating a questionnaire, USQNB-IC, to assess urinary symptoms in individuals with neurogenic bladder who use intermittent catheterization. The questionnaire aims to capture the patient's perspective and experience with neurogenic bladder, focusing on urinary tract signs and symptoms. The goal is to create a tool that can help patients self-manage their urinary symptoms and be useful for research and clinical practice.

Study Duration

10 months

Participants

Individuals with neurogenic bladder due to SCI (n = 336) and SB (patients, n = 179; and caregivers of patients with NB, n = 66), and three sets of “controls” (n = 160)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The USQNB-IC demonstrated face, content, criterion, convergent, and divergent validity, as well as reliability.
2
The questionnaire items were more descriptive of patient groups with neurogenic bladder compared to control groups.
3
The study provides preliminary psychometric evidence suggesting the instrument could be useful for research and in the clinic.

Research Summary

This study presents the development and preliminary validation of the USQNB-IC, a patient-centered questionnaire for assessing urinary symptoms in individuals with neurogenic bladder using intermittent catheterization. The USQNB-IC showed evidence of face, content, criterion, convergent, and divergent validity, as well as reliability, based on responses from patients and control groups. The findings suggest that the USQNB-IC could be a valuable tool for research and clinical practice in promoting patient self-management of urinary symptoms.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

The USQNB-IC can be used in clinical settings to assess and monitor urinary symptoms in patients with neurogenic bladder using intermittent catheterization.

Research

The questionnaire can be used in research studies to investigate the effectiveness of interventions and self-management strategies for urinary symptoms.

Patient Self-Management

The USQNB-IC can empower patients to actively participate in the management of their urinary symptoms by providing a structured way to track and communicate their experiences.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not include a control group with as many urinary problems as the neurogenic bladder patient groups.
2
The timeframe for symptom recall was one year, which may not be ideal for capturing acute changes in symptoms.
3
The national survey did not exclude respondents with potentially confounding conditions.

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