Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence--Video Series

Urinary incontinence is experienced by a substantial number of mid-aged and older adults andresults in a range of costs -- clinical, psychological, social, and financial. Treatment of incontinence canimprove occur many patients. However, treatment techniques are diverse and patients are frequentlyfared with several options about which they might have limited, if any, knowledge. We will develop andtest a series of educational videotapes for health care consumers regarding various treatments for urinaryincontinence (UI). The tapes will promote informed decision-making about treatments as well as patientsatisfaction with the decision by providing information regarding: description of each treatmentprocedure; the type(s) of UI for which a specific treatment is indicated; evidence of treatment efficacy;expected outcome, including potential risks or untoward effects. Phase I has three specific aims: 1)develop the content and video treatment of each videotape in the series; 2) arrange for production ofthe videotape; and 3) establish distribution strategies and outlets. Phase II activities will includeproduction of the videotapes and a randomized field trial of their effectiveness in increasing knowledgeabout etiology and treatments of UI and promoting patient satisfaction with their treatment decision.The final product at the end of Phase II will be a tested and attractively packaged videotape series. Theproduct will be developed in close collaboration with the Simon Foundation for Continence who willassume a primary role in marketing and distribution in Phase III. Other distribution outlets will includeprofessional societies and distributors of educational health-care materials.