Flow-through uroflow for the assessment and management of lower urinary tract symptoms

Uroflow is an important tool in the urology clinic for assessing and managing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). These include things like urinating very frequently or difficulty with your stream. Uroflow typically involves urinating into weight-sensing collection vessel that records urine flowrate. Although non-invasive, these systems have limitations. Patients typically undergo testing in uncomfortable and unfamiliar environments, which can decrease accuracy of the test. Also, it requires cleaning between each use, which can lead to long wait times for patients. A toilet-attached, “flow-through” uroflow was designed to overcome these limitations and can be used by patients in any standard washroom. Urine flows through it and into a toilet, so there’s no clean-up necessary. The current study will assess the role of the “flow-through” uroflow device compared to the “traditional” uroflow device in the outpatient urology clinic, as well as survey patients and health care providers regarding their experience. Once complete, the “flow-through” uroflow device has the potential to reduce disruptions to clinician workflow, improve diagnostic accuracy through more representative voiding and enhance the patient experience through improved comfort, reduced test anxiety, and shorter wait times.

Faculty Supervisor:

Monica Farcas

Student:

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Toronto

Program: