Promoting patient followup treatment with intra-detrusor onabotulinumtoxinA

We aimed to characterize patient-related factors that promote followup of repeat onabotulinumtoxinA treatments via a mixed-methods approach. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who received intra-detrusor injection of onabotulinumtoxinA at our institution from 2011–2018, who were then surveyed to evaluate their experience, knowledge, and perceptions regarding onabotulinumtoxinA treatment and followup. Patients who received one onabotulinumtoxinA treatment and patients who underwent multiple treatments were compared to assess followup rates following initial treatment, group characteristics, patient comfort, and patient knowledge of needed retreatment. Results: A total of 29.3% of patients received a single treatment and 70.7% of patients received multiple treatments. There was no difference in clinical, demographic, or intake variables between groups. Patients receiving multiple treatments reported having their first procedure in the operating room and reported greater improvement in symptoms and procedure comfort. This group was also more likely to understand that repeat treatments are necessary than those undergoing one treatment. Conclusions: No research to date has systematically explored patient-reported factors that promote retreatment of onabotulinumtoxinA for overactive bladder. This novel, mixed-methods approach indicates that patient comfort and patient knowledge were the strongest predictors of previous retreatment and anticipated retreatment, suggesting concrete avenues for improved periprocedural patient counselling and education.