Do we have sufficient evidence to derive innovative approaches to assessing unmet need, delivering education on bladder and bowel continence health, and providing a better environment for joint decision-making? ICI-RS 2024
Cotterill, Nikki; M, Samarinas; A, Rantell; C, Selai; S, Arlandis; K, Jones; P, Abrams; D, Robsinson; A, Wagg
Authors
N Nikki Cotterill Nikki.Cotterill@uwe.ac.uk
Professor of Long Term Conditions (Continence Care)
Samarinas M
Rantell A
Selai C
Arlandis S
Jones K
Abrams P
Robsinson D
Wagg A
Abstract
Improved continence outcomes are reliant on awareness that incontinence symptoms can be treated. In addition effective healthcare encounters are required to empower patients to understand their symptoms and management or treatment choices. During a discussion at the International Consultation on Incontinence – Research Society annual meeting in June 2024, we explored three distinct but intertwined areas of incontinence healthcare: unmet need, education delivery and shared decision-making. This exploration intended to establish if there is sufficient evidence on which to base the development of innovative approaches to address these areas. During this exploration, one central requirement was identified, ensuring patients are at the centre of their care. To identify unmet need, educate patients, caregivers and health professionals, and involve all parties in decision-making processes requires the patient voice to be the driving force and acknowledgment that patients are by their very nature, individuals. Therefore, person centred care principles are crucial to success. Innovative approaches need to ensure solutions are devised so that patients can engage with them and do not create barriers from the patients they are intending to serve. Avoidance of issues such as digital exclusion or exclusion of people with different language and educational requirements are two examples. With the emergence in AI and digital innovation, it is suggested that these are the very solutions that can provide patient-centred, tailored solutions for these three components in ways that existing methods and healthcare practice cannot differentiate. Developing these solutions from patient perspectives is critical and the research questions highlighted in this paper will advance the evidence base to achieve this.
