Can we increase the value of data from bladder diaries? International Consultation on Incontinence—Research Society 2023

• Published in: Neurourology and urodynamics 2024-08, Vol.43 (6), p.1311-1320
• Main Authors: Liapis, Ilias, Gammie, Andrew, Mohamed‐Ahmed, Rayan, Yates, Derick, Selai, Caroline, Cotterill, Nicky, Rantell, Angela, Toozs‐Hobson, Philip
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: assessment; Bladder; bladder diaries; challenges; compliance; Data collection; Diaries; Diaries as Topic; e‐healthcare; Feasibility studies; Health care; Humans; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms - diagnosis; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms - physiopathology; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms - therapy; LUTS; Medical Records; Patient Compliance; Patients; Urinary Bladder - physiopathology; Urinary Incontinence - diagnosis; Urinary Incontinence - physiopathology; Urinary Incontinence - therapy; Urinary tract; Urination; Urination - physiology; Urodynamics; Urogenital system; validity
• ISSN: 0733-2467; 1520-6777; 1520-6777
• DOI: 10.1002/nau.25374

Background Bladder diaries represent a fundamental component in the assessment of patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. Nevertheless, their importance often remains underappreciated and undervalued within clinical practice. This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing literature concerning the utility of bladder diaries, underscore the criticality of their precision, elucidate the factors contributing to noncompliance with bladder diary completion, and investigate potential strategies for enhancing patient compliance. Materials and Methods A review of the English‐language scientific literature available in the domains of Medline, Embase, Emcare, Midirs, and Cinahl was conducted. This was supplemented by discussion at the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society Proposal session to define knowledge and identify gaps in knowledge surrounding the utility of bladder diaries. The existing evidence and outcome of the relevant discussion held in the meeting are presented. Results Bladder diaries (BD) serve to characterize the nature and severity of storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and provide an objective record of an individual's urination patterns. They aid in the refinement and customization of treatment strategies based on the clinical responses documented in the diary, optimizing treatment outcomes. Notably, both BD and urodynamic studies (UDS) play complementary yet distinct roles in LUTS evaluation. BD offers a more comprehensive and accessible approach to assessing specific storage LUTS, particularly due to their affordability and widespread availability, especially in resource‐limited settings. Nevertheless, the absence of a standardized BD format across global healthcare systems presents a significant challenge. Despite being recognized as reliable, noninvasive, validated, and cost‐effective tools for evaluating patients with LUTS, the implementation and completion of BD have proven to be complex. The introduction of automated bladder diaries heralds an era of precise, real‐time data collection, potentially enhancing the patient–clinician relationship. Completion of bladder diaries depends on an array of individual, social, and healthcare‐specific factors. Compliance with bladder diary completion could be enhanced with clear instructions, patient education, regular follow‐ups and positive re‐enforcement. This study has identified four critical areas for future research: Addressing healt