Using a checklist to increase the effectiveness of behavioral therapy for overactive bladder: A prospective randomized controlled trial

Aim To evaluate the benefits of a newly established checklist form of behavioral therapy for overactive bladder (OAB). Methods Of a total of 180 patients suffering eight or more micturitions, two or more nocturia, seven or more urgency, or four more urinary urgency incontinence (UUI) episodes per day according to a 3-day bladder diary, 155 were randomly divided into four groups. Group I (n = 29) patients were instructed to apply only behavioral therapy as a written guideline and group II (n = 27) patients were instructed to apply behavioral therapy with a written checklist. Group III (n = 26) patients received medical treatment plus behavioral therapy without a checklist. Group IV (n = 28) patients received medical treatment with a written checklist over a 6-month period. Results A total of 110 participants completed the study period. The demographic data and baseline voiding parameters such as frequency, urgency, nocturia, and UUI of the participants in all four groups were similar (P > 0.05 for all). At the end of the study period, the highest rates of treatment response (64.3%) and adherence (85.7%) were determined for the patients with antimuscarinic drugs plus checklist. The persistence rate of patients using antimuscarinics with the checklist was higher than that of those using antimuscarinics plus a written guideline of behavioral therapy (75.4% vs 60.2%). Conclusion The effectiveness of behavioral therapy for OAB can be improved with this newly designed checklist. In addition, the adherence and persistence rate of medical treatment may also improve with the checklist used.