Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate patient compliance to individualized recommendations for self-management of fluid intake, bladder irritants, and timing of fluid consumption.
DESIGN: Single-group, before-after pilot study.
SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 22 patients (17 male and 5 females, mean age 62 years, age range 27-84 years). The study setting was the uroflow clinic at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK, a tertiary level referral hospital for complex evaluation and treatment of urological patients.
METHODS: Patients were given a bladder diary to complete after 2 weeks, which was compared with the bladder diary they had originally brought to clinic, to see whether the advice was followed. The bladder diary used required the patient to document the times and volumes of urination over a period of 3 days, magnitude of urinary urgency felt at the time, along with fluid intake timing, amount, and type of beverage. The study was not designed to measure changes in symptoms, but observed changes recorded in the bladder diaries are reported.
RESULTS: All 6 of the 22 participants who were advised to increase the volume of fluid intake complied, with an increased average intake of a mean of 520 mL (range 100-1450 mL). Similarly, one participant advised to reduce fluid intake decreased their fluid intake by 1800 mL per day. Thirteen out of 16 patients (81%) who were advised to remove caffeine, alcohol, or artificial sweeteners from their diet complied, indicated by no bladder irritant being recorded on their bladder diary. Nine out of 12 patients (75%) advised to reduce fluid intake in the evenings complied, decreased fluid intake after 6 PM by an average of 240 mL (range 100-550 mL less).
CONCLUSIONS: A majority of participants given fluid intake advice that is specific to their symptoms and lifestyle complied with recommendations. Simple guidance could usefully be given to patients before they are referred to specialist urological care or undergo urodynamic testing.