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Pain

A new text message-based platform for self-management of patients with IC/BPS

Nature Reviews Urology volume 20, page 129 (2023)Cite this article

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A new platform for the self-management of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) has been presented in a study published in Neurourology and Urodynamics. This platform — based on text messages — was developed through ‘rapid cycle innovation’, a process involving contextual inquiry in which patients can interact with a prototype platform and provide feedback that will be used by the developers to improve the platform through an iterative process. A total of 30 adult women with IC/BPS and moderate symptom bother participated in five cycles of contextual inquiry. The texting platform was used to deliver treatment modules and check-in messages. Level of engagement with the platform — primary end point — was high across all cycles (89–95%). Accuracy of the platform — secondary end point — gradually increased from the first to the last cycle (74–98%). Patients appreciated the idea of learning self-management skills through the platform, which made them feel independent and confident. A need to improve support from providers emerged from this study, as, through the platform, patients found answers to many questions that had not been adequately addressed during too short visits or inadequate follow-up checking. Thus, this platform could assist patients’ self-management of IC/BPS, reducing the sense of isolation and improving the patient–provider relationship.

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  1. Nature Reviews Urology http://www.nature.com/nrurol/

    Maria Chiara Masone

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  1. Maria Chiara Masone
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Correspondence to Maria Chiara Masone.

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Masone, M.C. A new text message-based platform for self-management of patients with IC/BPS. Nat Rev Urol 20, 129 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41585-023-00730-5

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