ELECTRIC Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
ELECtric Tibial nerve stimulation to Reduce Incontinence in Care homes: ELECTRIC
IRAS ID
233879
Contact name
Joanne Booth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Glasgow Caledonian University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a distressing and embarrassing condition that occurs in around 70% of older people who live in nursing or residential care homes. It is common in those who have dementia and has a major impact on dignity and quality of life.
There is evidence from small-scale studies that transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (TPTNS) is a safe and acceptable way to improve bladder problems. TPTNS involves placing two sticky pads (surface electrodes) on a person’s ankle and connecting these to a small, pocket sized electrical simulator. This sends an electric pulse to the nerve near the ankle which also controls the bladder and reduces the feeling of sudden urgency, giving more time to find a toilet. TPTNS also increases the volume of urine the bladder can hold, so it does not need to be emptied as often. Better quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of TPTNS on UI is needed before it is used for everyday treatment.
This study will test TPTNS, compared to sham treatment, in 500 people living in care homes who have UI and wear absorbent pads. Twelve treatments will be given over a six week period, each treatment lasting 30 minutes. Amount of urine leaked into pads over a 24 hour period will be measured after the six weeks and again after three and five months, to see if leakage is reduced. Participants will be asked about perceived bladder control, toilet use skills and quality of life. The opinions of close family members and care home staff about the impact of TPTNS will also be sought.
The cost of providing this treatment will be compared to the costs of usual continence care and pads, and the best ways to provide TPTNS treatment, long-term, will be explored with care home staff.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/YH/0328
Date of REC Opinion
1 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion