Patient Perceptions Impact Progression to Third-Line Therapy for Treatment of Overactive Bladder.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Patient-Reported Outcomes
• Healthcare Decision-Making

Background:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) significantly impacts patient quality of life.
• Third-line therapies offer advanced treatment options for refractory OAB.
• Understanding patient motivations is crucial for optimizing OAB management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the key factors influencing patient decisions to pursue third-line overactive bladder therapy.
• To explore patient perspectives on the benefits and drawbacks of advanced OAB treatments.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys.
• Inclusion of patients with diagnosed OAB who failed prior treatments.
• Analysis of thematic interview data and statistical analysis of survey responses.

Main Results:

• 75% of patients intended to pursue third-line OAB therapy.
• Key motivators included desire for better quality of life and embarrassment from incontinence.
• Concerns about invasiveness, side effects, and access to care were significant barriers.

Conclusions:

• Patient desire for improved quality of life and reduced embarrassment are primary drivers for considering third-line OAB therapy.
• Concerns regarding treatment side effects, invasiveness, and healthcare access influence patient choices.
• The economic burden of OAB treatment is linked to patient interest in third-line options.