Exploring the Priorities of Older Adults in Managing Urinary Incontinence: a Patient-Oriented Research Approach

Urinary incontinence (UI), the complaint of involuntary leakage of urine, has a substantial impact on the quality of life of older adults. Most UI research is driven by researchers and lacks the patient perspective. The goal of this qualitative study was to gain the perspective of older adults in formulating a research agenda tailored to address their questions and improve their experience with managing UI.

Implementing a community-based participatory research framework, an advisory group of eight older adults with UI were recruited to be on the research team. An initial focus group was conducted to learn about their research needs. Nominal Group Technique was used to reach saturation of themes and data was analyzed thematically. Employing a Delphi consensus method, a national online questionnaire containing 20 priorities for future UI research and education was developed in collaboration with the advisory group.

59 older adults with UI rated each priority on a Likert scale. Priorities which advanced to the second round were re-rated, with an 85% response rate. 11 priorities of ≥80% agreement were retained. The highest rated priorities included relationship between physical activity and UI; support for those with UI; causes of UI and its management; sleep and UI; and public restroom accessibility.

Findings from this study will help researchers and health-care professionals understand and address the needs of older adults with UI. Efforts should be made to translate research findings in this area and disseminate them in a medium accessible to older adults.