The severity and prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS] in men increases with age (up to 30% in men over 65 years), with greater numbers likely to be affected as the population ages. Symptoms can have a substantial impact on quality of life but can also influenced by lifestyle factors.  

Current therapies recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) include bladder training, controlling fluid intake and lifestyle advice. However, there is a lack of evidence on their effectiveness, and provision by GP practices varies. 

Bristol Medical School researchers sought to trial whether a new intervention, comprising a healthcare professional consultation and an information booklet providing conservative and lifestyle guidance, could be more effective than usual care. 

Overall, the study’s findings showed a range of troublesome urinary tract symptoms improved over 12 months in a population of men with moderate symptom severity, using a standardised booklet and manualised approach to symptom management. Analyses of symptoms in each trial arm found the intervention achieved a greater reduction in symptoms than usual care, and that the difference was maintained in the longer term. Implementation of this intervention as management in primary care, has the potential to improve care and reduce drug prescriptions.  Our study also found the intervention can be delivered by practice nurses or healthcare assistants rather than GPs. 

Read the full University of Bristol news item

‘Treating male lower urinary tract symptoms in primary healthcare using conservative interventions: the TRIUMPH cluster randomised controlled trial’ by Marcus J Drake, Jo Worthington, Jonathan Rees et al. in BMJ [open access]