Qualifying a quantitative approach to women's expectations of continence surgery

The objective of this study is to explore expectations and goals of women undergoing continence surgery using a combined quantitative and qualitative approach. Women with urinary incontinence, recruited from the waiting list, were assessed with a structured clinical interview, and these data were transcribed and analysed thematically (grounded theory). The Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ) was used to determine incontinence impact on patient's life. Incontinence was objectively quantified using videocystourethrography. KHQ quantitative analysis suggested that the main domains affected were incontinence impact on life and physical limitations. However, qualitative analysis based on the interview found women were most affected by incontinence impact on physical or social limitation, sexual function, emotions and body image. Whilst disease-specific QoL questionnaires allow broad comparisons to be made assessing patient bother; they lack sensitivity to assess individual symptoms. A qualitative approach may individualise patient care and improve patient satisfaction and overall outcome.