Remote Access Treatment for Urinary Incontinence
(PRACTICAL Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores two remote methods to help women veterans manage bladder leakage, also known as urinary incontinence. Participants will either use an online program called MyHealtheBladder, which provides daily health education and exercises, or have video consultations with a healthcare provider through VA Video Connect. The trial aims to determine which method more effectively reduces symptoms. Women veterans who have experienced bladder leakage at least once a month for three months and have internet access might be suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance future care for women veterans.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have started new treatments for incontinence in the last 3 months or plan to start during the study, you may not be eligible to participate.
What prior data suggests that these treatment delivery methods are safe for urinary incontinence?
Research has shown that both MyHealtheBladder and VA Video Connect are safe and effective for managing urinary incontinence, which involves accidentally leaking urine. MyHealtheBladder is a daily mobile health program that educates users about their bladder and includes exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles. These exercises can help control urine leakage, and no safety issues have been reported.
VA Video Connect enables remote appointments with a continence care provider. This platform has been used for other health issues without major safety concerns. A VA data and safety monitoring board oversees its use to ensure patient safety, and no serious problems have been reported. Both methods emphasize education and exercises, which are generally safe for most people.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for urinary incontinence because they bring care directly to patients through remote and digital platforms. MyHealtheBladder offers daily mobile health education that empowers individuals to learn about bladder anatomy and function, engage in pelvic floor exercises, and use self-monitoring tools—all from their smartphones. Meanwhile, VA Video Connect provides remote telehealth visits with a continence care provider, combining personalized guidance with the convenience of at-home access. These approaches stand out because they make it easier for patients to manage their condition without frequent clinic visits, potentially increasing adherence and improving outcomes.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for urinary incontinence?
Research has shown that the MyHealtheBladder app, one of the treatments in this trial, can help reduce symptoms of urinary incontinence. In a study, women veterans using the app experienced improvements exceeding the minimum required for significance on urinary incontinence scales. These women also reported noticeable relief from bladder control problems.
Similarly, the VA Video Connect telehealth service, another treatment option in this trial, effectively educates and supports women veterans with urinary incontinence. The study found that women who had video visits with a continence care provider received helpful advice on managing their urinary issues. Both the app and the video service focus on teaching bladder health and pelvic floor exercises, which are known to improve bladder control.678910Who Is on the Research Team?
Susan N. Hastings, MD MHSc
Principal Investigator
Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC
Elizabeth Camille Vaughan, MD MS
Principal Investigator
Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA
Alayne D Markland, DO MSc
Principal Investigator
Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women veterans who experience bladder leakage at least once a month for three months, can access the internet daily, and have their own email. It's not suitable for those with neurological conditions like MS or Parkinson's, recent major surgeries, unstable medical conditions affecting urine volume, new incontinence treatments within the last 3 months, post-partum within 3 months, severe psychiatric issues, active genitourinary cancer treatment or unstable housing.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either MyHealtheBladder or VA Video Connect for 8-12 weeks
Mid-study Assessment
Participants' bladder symptoms are assessed, and treatment may be adjusted
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- MyHealtheBladder
- VA Video Connect
Trial Overview
The study compares two remote treatment methods for urinary incontinence: an online educational program called MyHealtheBladder and video visits with providers via VA Video Connect. Participants are randomly assigned to one of these methods and may switch halfway if symptoms don't improve. The goal is to determine which method better helps manage bladder leakage over six months.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Active Control
Daily mobile health education with information on bladder anatomy and function, pelvic floor muscle exercises with behavioral strategies, and self-monitoring tools for urine leakage
Remote telehealth visits with continence care provider who will provide education on bladder anatomy and function, pelvic floor muscle exercises with behavioral strategies, and self-monitoring tools for urine leakage
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor
Published Research Related to This Trial
Citations
Remote Access to Urinary Incontinence Treatments for ...
This randomized clinical trial compares the effectiveness of urinary incontinence behavioral treatments delivered via a mobile health app vs ...
Remote Access to Urinary Incontinence Treatments for ...
This randomized clinical trial compares the effectiveness of urinary incontinence behavioral treatments delivered via a mobile health app vs ...
Implementing a Mobile Health Application for Women ...
The overall goal is to implement, evaluate, and sustain MyHealtheBladder in 20 VA facilities using a type III effectiveness-implementation ...
Bladder Control Problems? There May Be An App For That
Female veterans suffering from urinary incontinence received effective relief using a smartphone app called MyHealtheBladder, researchers ...
Development and pilot evaluation of MyHealtheBladder
Women veterans using an 8-week behavioral mHealth program for the treatment of UI had symptom improvements that exceeded the MCID for the ICIQ-SF.
Urinary Incontinence - MyHealth Alberta
Urinary incontinence is the accidental release of urine. It can happen when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or jog. Or you may have a sudden need to go to the toilet ...
Urinary incontinence
Drinks with caffeine can cause the bladder to fill quickly, which can cause you to leak urine. Studies suggest that women who drink more than two cups of drinks ...
Urinary Incontinence: Causes, Leakage, Types & Treatment
Incontinence is loss of bladder control, often leading to uncontrollable pee leakage. It's more common in females and people over 50.
Urinary Incontinence - Health Library
Safety and Injury Prevention ... Regular, daily exercise of pelvic muscles may make the bladder muscles stronger and improve, and even prevent, urinary ...
10.
mayoclinic.org
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808Urinary incontinence - Symptoms and causes
Learn about possible causes of the loss of bladder control and what treatments are available for this problem.
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