Quality and quantity: An audit of urodynamics practice in relation to newly published National Standards

Bristol UTraQ: A proposed system for scoring the technical quality of urodynamic traces

AIM

To develop and test a scoring system for the technical quality of a urodynamic trace METHODS: Rasch analysis was used to select the most discriminating questions relating to good urodynamic practices. The questions were taken from International Continence Society standard documents and tested on 60 traces of varying quality and from different sources.

RESULTS

Twenty-five questions were selected by this process. These were tested with 10 traces by seven scorers, and with 60 traces by a single scorer. A pass quality score of 75% resulted in good discrimination between good and poor traces. Further editing and clarification resulted in a final score sheet of 23 Yes/No questions.

CONCLUSION

A proposed scoring system, "Bristol UTraQ," for the technical quality of urodynamic traces has been developed and tested. We suggest a score above 75% indicates acceptable trace technical quality. High technical quality is the essential first step in ensuring that urodynamic studies can answer the urodynamic questions for every patient. Plans for further validation are outlined.

Is the value of urodynamics undermined by poor technique?: ICI-RS 2018

INTRODUCTION

The quality of urodynamic measurements in clinical practice has been debated as a matter of concern. It is considered plausible that this has a direct bearing on patient care and the perceived value of urodynamic testing.

METHODS

This is a report of the proceedings of the Think Tank: "Is the value of urodynamics undermined by poor technique?" from the Annual International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society, which took place in June 2018 in Bristol, UK. The Think Tank discussed the evidence for deficiencies in urodynamic test quality and considered the implications of improvements for clinical diagnosis and practice.

RESULTS

There is evidence that technique affects urodynamic quality, and that urodynamic practice is variable. Factors such as team skill set, technologies used, and training received will also affect the quality of urodynamic service. Questions exist regarding the influence of technique on the utility and perceived value of urodynamics.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest research questions that will provide the necessary evidence on the link between technique, reporting, and outcome, and clarify the role of good practice in the utility of urodynamic testing.

Prospective Evaluation of Urodynamic Utility in a Subspecialty Tertiary Practice

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively evaluated the utility of urodynamic evaluations (UDS) ordered in a tertiary referral center as part of a quality improvement project.

METHODS

Patients with UDS ordered by 3 subspecialty physicians were included. Physicians were surveyed when ordering UDS and at the post-UDS clinic visit to assess indications for UDS, pre- and post-UDS diagnosis, treatment plan, confidence level, and perceived helpfulness of UDS. UDS trained nurses conducting studies were surveyed on patient reported reproducibility of their symptoms and perceived difficulty of UDS.

RESULTS

From April 2017 to October 2017, 127 UDS were included of which 102 met study criteria. UDS were done for neurogenic (23%) and non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (76%). The majority were conducted for incontinence evaluation (79%), or after prior lower urinary tract surgery (33%). UDS nurses reported 90% of UDS fully or partially reproduced patient symptoms. Nurses found 18% of UDS difficult due to catheter malfunctions, physical limitations, and communication abilities. Post-UDS, providers found 97% of UDS interpretable. UDS resulted in a change in treatment plan in 78% of patients. On a Likert scale, mean pre-UDS confidence level was 2.9 ± 0.8 (range 0-5). This increased to 4.1 ± 0.6 post-UDS with 76% of evaluations having a change of at least 1 point.

CONCLUSION

UDS in a tertiary referral center result in change in patient treatment plans over three-fourths of the time with high rates of interpretability.