Introduction and aim of the study: Urinary incontinence is a common condition in women, with a prevalence ranging from 25 to 51% [
[1]
]. An estimated 38% of these women suffer from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) [[2]
]. A European research consortium investigates whether treatment outcome of Pelvic Floor Muscle Therapy (PFMT) can be improved by an innovative intervention with a web-portal based biofeedback system and serious games on a smartphone application. With this survey we aim to investigate the experience and attitude of urogynaecologists towards innovative care-options.Materials and methods: We performed an online survey designed to assess [1] characteristics of gynaecologists and practice, [2] current protocol to treat SUI and experience with and attitude towards both [3] biofeedback and [4] serious gaming. The survey was sent to all EUGA, BSUG and Dutch Pelvic Floor Society members.
Results: An analysis of 341 responders shows that 64% have a protocol for treatment of SUI. The primary treatment consists of lifestyle advice and PFMT in both mild (54% of used protocols) and moderate (39%) SUI. Responders indicate that biofeedback has either a clear (46%) or probable (46%) added value in the treatment of SUI. Currently, 31% of responders treat patients aided by biofeedback. Of all current non-biofeedback users 97% would change their practice when research shows strong evidence in favor of its use. 89% indicate they have no experience with serious gaming. Serious games can be useful for self-management of SUI as indicated by 92% of responders.
Conclusions: The results of this survey show European urogynaecologists have limited experience with biofeedback and serious gaming. Nevertheless, the vast majority of responders welcomes innovative ways to expose their patients to existing SUI treatment modalities.
References
- A community-based epidemiological survey of female urinary incontinence: the Norwegian EPINCON Study. Epidemiology of Incontinence in the County of Nord-Trøndelag.J Clin Epidemiol. 2000; 53: 1150-1157
- Characteristics of female outpatients with urinary incontinence participating in a 6-month observational study in 14 European countries.Maturitas. 2005; 52: S13-S23
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© 2017 Published by Elsevier Inc.
