Effectiveness of a computer-based system to deliver a continence health promotion intervention.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to test a computer-based system for continence health promotion that included self-management techniques for women with symptoms of involuntary urine loss, urinary frequency or urgency, or nocturia. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental trial design with repeated measures was used. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Older women (n = 71) with continence problems were recruited and completed a computer session. INSTRUMENTS: Outcomes were measured with the Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form, the Incontinence Impact on Life Questionnaire-Short Form, and a bladder diary. A modified Questionnaire for User Interface Satisfaction was used to measure satisfaction with the system. METHODS: Participants assigned to the intervention group (n = 36) used the computer-based system for continence health promotion, and those in the wait list control group (n = 35) used an alternate system. Data were collected at baseline and 8 weeks after the computer session. RESULTS: Analysis of covariance results on symptom distress and quality of life scores showed no significant treatment effect, although a trend toward improvement was observed. The intervention group improved significantly on urogenital distress (P = .01) and quality of life (P = .003) outcomes, but the control group did not. Women had little difficulty using the system and expressed satisfaction with the individualized information provided. CONCLUSIONS: Although the computer-based system did not result in significantly improved outcomes when comparing women in the 2 groups, the computer-based group improved significantly from baseline to follow-up. Further research on a computer-based system that women could access independently or that nurses could use to supplement traditional care is warranted.     

Defining Autism Spectrum Disorders

Supapak Phetrasuwan, Margaret Shandor Miles, and Gary B. Mesibov
Column Editor: Cordelia Robinson