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Frequency‐volume chart: The minimum number of days required to obtain reliable results
Author(s) -
Schick Erik,
JolivetTremblay Martine,
Dupont Charles,
Bertrand Pierre E.,
Tessier Jocelyne
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
neurourology and urodynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1520-6777
pISSN - 0733-2467
DOI - 10.1002/nau.10079
Subject(s) - medicine , chart , cohort , reliability (semiconductor) , statistics , mathematics , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics
Abstract Aims There is wide variation in the number of days necessary to maintain a diary and still furnish reliable data on which to base a sound clinical assessment. Estimates range from 1 day to 2 weeks, 7 days probably being the criterion standard. The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate how much the 7‐day period could be shortened without compromising the reliability of data. Methods Various lengths of frequency‐volume (FV) charts (from 1 day to 6 days) were compared with the standard 7‐day charts on 14 FV parameters. Results Overall results show that a 4‐day dairy is nearly identical to the 7‐day chart (most r ≥ 0.95). Results of the 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐day charts were frequently different statistically from the 7‐day chart, whereas comparison of the 4‐day chart with the 7‐day chart showed no statistically significant differences. In addition, results of 4‐day FV charts from a new control cohort showed no significant differences from the 7‐day charts of the main cohort. Conclusions In conclusion, our study indicates that the 4‐day chart is as reliable as the 7‐day chart. This reduction in the length of time, although easier for the patients, does not compromise the diagnostic value of the FV charts. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:92–96, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.