Moving Beyond the Bladder Diary: Does New Technology Now Allow Us to Take Investigation of LUTS Into the Community? ICI-RS 2024

Abstract

Context: Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) are defined by their distressing effect on patients' day-to-day life. Given the pressures on secondary care resources, LUTS may be overlooked or inadequately assessed and therefore patients may be burdened for an extended period before treatment. Methods: In a debate held at the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society (ICI-RS) meeting in Bristol in June 2024, we considered how new technologies might contribute to an expedited, dignified and effective investigation of LUTS. Results: We describe three broad areas where technology has a role to play: streamlining of existing investigations through mobile and miniaturized technology; entirely new investigations made possible by the technology; and advanced analytics to provide better insights from the data available. Conclusion: We describe key research questions that will signpost us toward answering the question raised in the title.