PD63-06 A NEW PARADIGM FOR OUTPATIENT DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS UTILIZING A MOBILE APP/SOFTWARE PLATFORM AND REMOTE PATIENT VISITS: FEASIBILITY STUDY

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To develop novel diagnostic and treatment paradigms for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) utilizing a software program comprised of a mobile app, validated patient reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires, bladder diaries, and remote patient monitoring. The ultimate goals are to utilize this platform to triage patients, optimize quality, accuracy, and efficiency of in-office visits, substitute remote visits for in-office visits, enhance the quality of care, reduce costs and foster patient education, engagement, and self-help. METHOD(S): New patients referred to a urologist were screened for inclusion based on: age > 18, diagnosis of LUTS, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), nocturia and overactive bladder (OAB). Patients without e-mail access were excluded. Patients with LUTS were invited to download and complete a mobile app (weShare URO) containing the validated LUTS Symptom Score and a 24-hour bladder diary. On the basis of reported symptom severity, they were triaged into urgent office visits or given the choice between routine or remote visits. Data obtained included: age, sex, number screened, excluded, included, lost to follow-up, remote visits, in-office visits, app downloads, time lapse between initial referral, invite and remote or in-office visits. RESULT(S): Results are displayed in Figure 1. Remote visits were achieved in 68% of those who completed the app and 17% of the entire cohort. 34/57 (60%) completed the satisfaction survey among which 80% found the app to be an effective way of sharing information and 74% found it to be easy and effective to use. CONCLUSION(S): A new paradigm for outpatient diagnosis and treatment of LUTS was developed using software comprised of a mobile app, validated PRO questionnaires, bladder diaries, and remote patient monitoring. Patients were triaged according to symptom severity, and 68% of those who completed the app elected to have their initial evaluation performed remotely (17% of new urology consults). Patient and physician satisfaction were high. It is necessary to determine the extent of the healthcare quality and economic benefit manifested by this paradigm, and further studies extending and applying it to a larger and more diverse group of patients are underway.