Nurse Practitioner Led Behavioral Intervention Program for Adult Patients with Overactive Bladder

Abstract

Problem: Despite recommendations of behavioral modification interventions for the treatment of overactive bladder in adults, few practices have overactive bladder programs. In a rural urology clinic that sees 1026 patients annually with overactive bladder, ten percent are offered behavioral therapy interventions. There is no overactive bladder program. Purpose: The purpose of this QI project was to provide all adults patients with overactive bladder a behavioral intervention program to improve overactive bladder symptoms. Methods: Providers and nursing staff were educated on the overactive bladder program. Providers identified patients that meet inclusion criteria. A welcome letter and leaflet were provided to the patients that included brief information on behavioral modifications. Weekly chart audits of the percentage of patients provided with the leaflet were completed. Patients were invited to participate in three face-to face group sessions at two-week intervals. Prior to the first and after the third group session the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score Questionnaire was completed by self-report. Results: At the conclusion of the 15-week implementation, 82% (n=186) eligible patients received the leaflet and welcome letter. Eleven participants completed all educational sessions. The symptoms of frequency and urgency showed greatest improvement per scores on the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score. Conclusion: Distribution of behavioral modification interventions follow first-line guidelines for patients with overactive bladder. Patient attendance at three sixty-minute face to face group intervention sessions with a content expert improves symptoms of overactive bladder.