Department of Urogynaecology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.
BMC Womens Health. 2021 Oct 27;21(1):374. doi: 10.1186/s12905-021-01522-y.
Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) has been used to treat overactive bladder (OAB), however patient experiences and views of this treatment are lacking. The aim of this study was to explore women's experiences of OAB and TTNS treatment and the perceived factors influencing participation and adherence.
Semi-structured, individual interviews conducted as part of a mixed-methods, randomised, feasibility trial of self-managed versus HCP-led TTNS. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken using Booth et al. (Neurourol Urodynam. 2017;37:528-41) approach.
16 women were interviewed, 8 self-managing TTNS at home and 8 receiving TTNS in twice-weekly hospital clinic appointments. Women self-managing OAB considered TTNS easy to administer, flexible and favourably 'convenient', especially when the participant was bound by work and other life commitments. In contrast to OAB symptoms 'dominating life', self-managing bladder treatment was empowering and fitted around home life demands. Flexibility and control engendered by self-management, facilitated women's willingness to participate in TTNS. Women attending a hospital clinic for TTNS enjoyed the social aspects but found the routine appointments constrained their lives. Motivation to continue TTNS in the longer term was dependent on perception of benefit.
This study provides novel insights into women's experiences of self-managing their OAB using TTNS compared to HCP-led management in the clinical setting. It highlights positive experiences self-managing TTNS at home and a willingness to continue in the longer term, facilitated by ease of use and convenience. Trial Registration 1/11/2018: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03727711.
经皮胫神经刺激（TTNS）已被用于治疗膀胱过度活动症（OAB），但缺乏患者对这种治疗的体验和看法。本研究旨在探讨女性对 OAB 和 TTNS 治疗的体验，以及感知到的影响参与和依从性的因素。
作为一项自行管理与 HCP 主导的 TTNS 比较的混合方法、随机、可行性试验的一部分，进行了半结构式个体访谈。访谈进行了录音，并逐字记录。使用 Booth 等人（Neurourol Urodynam. 2017;37:528-41）的方法进行了反思性主题分析。
对 16 名女性进行了访谈，其中 8 名在家自行管理 TTNS，8 名在两周一次的医院门诊接受 TTNS。自行管理 OAB 的女性认为 TTNS 易于管理、灵活且非常“方便”，尤其是当参与者受到工作和其他生活承诺的限制时。与 OAB 症状“主宰生活”相反，自行管理膀胱治疗是赋权的，并适应家庭生活的需求。自我管理带来的灵活性和控制能力促进了女性参与 TTNS 的意愿。在医院门诊接受 TTNS 的女性享受社交方面，但发现定期预约限制了她们的生活。长期继续接受 TTNS 的动力取决于对获益的感知。
与临床环境中 HCP 主导的管理相比，本研究提供了关于女性自行管理 OAB 使用 TTNS 的独特见解。它突出了在家中自行管理 TTNS 的积极体验，以及在易于使用和方便的情况下长期继续的意愿。
试验注册 1/11/2018：ClinicalTrials.gov 标识符：NCT03727711。
