Out-of-Office Digitalized and Connected Devices for Assessing Voiding Behavior: Patients' Point of View.

Abstract

Objective: We aim to question patients' a priori opinion on recently developed digitalized and connected bladder diaries and ambulatory uroflowmeters.

Methods: All patients > 18 years old, presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and seen for a urology consultation at our center between May and December 2022, were proposed a standardized interview. An investigator explained the different types of devices and technologies ("paper" and "digitalized bladder diary", connected and non-connected "home" and "portable uroflowmeter", "sono-uroflowmeter" and "video-uroflowmeter") using a standardized presentation. Each device was then rated from 0 (very negative) to 5 (very positive) by patients for 5 subdomains: cumbersomeness, stigmatization, ease of use, confidentiality, and hygiene. Subgroup analyses including sex, age, activity, working conditions, presence of an underlying neurologic disease, and the type of LUTS, were carried out.

Results: Seventy-seven patients participated in the study, including 51 female and 26 male patients. The highest median score was obtained by the "sono-uroflowmetry" (23/25) while the "video-uroflowmetry" got the lowest median score (9/25). When compared with "paper", the "digitalized bladder diary" was anticipated to be less cumbersome (p < 0.001) and was rated higher by patients < 50 years old (p = 0.011). When compared with "portable", "home uroflowmeters" were considered easier to use. The female sex was associated with a lower score for "portable uroflowmeters".

Conclusion: Most digitalized and connected bladder diaries and ambulatory uroflowmeters are viewed positively by patients, with a higher score for "sono-uroflowmetry". However, the anticipated preferences varied according to sex, age, and working conditions.

Clinical trial registration: This study was not a clinical trial.