RUTISS-Diary and RUTISS-65 Study
This study is developing new ways for people with frequent bladder infections, known as recurrent UTIs (rUTIs), to keep track of their symptoms. Existing tools don't quite meet the needs of people dealing with rUTIs every day or those over 65. Researchers are creating two updated symptom diaries: the RUTISS-Diary for daily symptom tracking, and the RUTISS-65, which is specially designed for older adults. About 200 people with rUTIs will try out these diaries to see how useful and accurate they are. The aim is to give patients and their doctors better tools to understand and manage rUTI symptoms.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Each year, millions of people worldwide get urinary tract infections (UTIs), and many experience them again and again. These frequent infections, called recurrent UTIs (rUTIs), can really affect a person's daily life and comfort. Currently, the ways doctors measure how rUTIs affect someone don't always fully capture what patients are going through, especially when symptoms change from day to day or in older adults.
This study wants to make things better by creating new, easy-to-use symptom diaries. The main goal is to develop two specific tools: one called the RUTISS-Diary, which helps people track their symptoms every single day, and another called the RUTISS-65, which is designed with the unique needs of people aged 65 and over in mind. The researchers have already spoken to doctors and patients to make sure these new diaries ask the right questions.
About 200 people who have recurrent UTIs will take part. They will use the RUTISS-Diary every day for a week, and then again after two weeks. If they are aged 65 or over, they will also try out the RUTISS-65 on the first two days. This helps the researchers check if the diaries are clear, reliable, and truly reflect what people are experiencing with their symptoms. Ultimately, these new tools could help both patients and their healthcare teams better understand and manage recurrent UTIs.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to improve how we track recurrent UTI symptoms.
- It's developing special symptom diaries for daily use and for older adults.
- Participation involves filling out diaries over a two-week period.
- No new medications are given; it's about reporting your experiences.
- Your input could help many others with recurrent UTIs.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, participants need to be 18 years old or older. You should be able to speak and understand English very well, and have access to a computer or mobile device to fill out the surveys. Most importantly, you need to have a history of recurrent UTIs, meaning at least two in six months or three in a year, and currently experience symptoms.
If you are 65 years or older, you might be asked to try an additional diary specifically designed for older adults. For this, you would also need to meet the same general criteria as above, including having recurrent UTI symptoms. If you don't have a computer, a paper copy might be available.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have been diagnosed with a condition called interstitial cystitis, or if you have symptoms of confusion or dementia. You also can't take part if you have active cancer in your bladder or prostate, are pregnant, or use a catheter. It's important that your English is fluent, not just beginner or intermediate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have recurrent UTIs (at least 2 in 6 months or 3 in 1 year)?
- Can you speak and understand English fluently?
- Do you have access to a device like a computer or smartphone?
- Do you NOT have conditions like interstitial cystitis, active cancer, or use a catheter?
- Are you NOT pregnant (if applicable)?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you won't be given any new treatments or medicines. Instead, you'll be asked to complete some symptom diaries. You will fill out the RUTISS-Diary every day for 7 days. Then, you'll complete it once more on day 14. If you are 65 or older, you will also complete the RUTISS-65 on day 1 and day 2. This whole process of completing the diaries will take a total of two weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- University of ReadingVerified postcodeReading, United Kingdom
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeReading, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a recurrent UTI (rUTI)?
It means you experience bladder infections very often – usually two or more within six months, or three or more within a year.
What are RUTISS-Diary and RUTISS-65?
These are new symptom diaries being developed. The RUTISS-Diary helps track daily symptoms, and the RUTISS-65 is specifically for people aged 65 and over.
Do I have to take any new medication?
No, this study doesn't involve any new medicines or treatments. It's all about filling out symptom diaries.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Your participation will last for two weeks in total, mainly involving completing diaries for the first week and then one more time on day 14.
Can I stop participating if I change my mind?
Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any point, and it will not affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Katherine A Finlay, PhD, CPsychol
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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