The Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) in girls and women: Developing a conceptual framework for a prevention research agenda

Brady, Sonya S.; Bavendam, Tamara; Berry, Amanda; Fok, Cynthia S.; Gahagan, Sheila; Goode, Patricia S.; Hardacker, Cecilia T.; Hebert‐Beirne, Jeni; Lewis, Cora E.; Lewis, Judith A.; Low, Lisa Kane; Lowder, Jerry L.; Palmer, Mary H.; Wyman, Jean F.; Lukacz, Emily S.

doi:10.1002/nau.23787

Cited by 51 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 80 publications

(157 reference statements)

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“…PLUS investigators recognized the need for upfront time to develop a positive transdisciplinary culture, and that this would likely delay short‐term productivity when judged by traditional metrics (eg, publications, presentations, and abstracts at national meetings). These short‐term delays have already been offset by progress with conceptual work and research that promises a significant health impact, including 11 peer‐reviewed papers, 1,9,10,15‐22 26 peer‐reviewed abstracts, 23‐47 and 15 invited presentations to date. PLUS has formalized key strategic initiatives informed by the shared language, critical awareness, and transdisciplinary orientation developed over the past 4 years.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Is the juice worth the squeeze? Transdisciplinary team science in bladder health

Schmitz

Bavendam

Brady

et al. 2020

Neurourology and Urodynamics

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Aims Prior research on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) has focused on the treatment and management of these conditions with scant attention to prevention. The Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium was formed to address the complexities of preventing LUTS and promoting bladder health. Methods Herein, we describe challenges faced and strategies used to develop the PLUS Research Consortium into an engaged and productive transdisciplinary scientific team. We apply four previously defined team science phases (development, conceptualization, implementation, and translation) to frame our progress. Results Strategies to progress through the development phase included the generation of a shared mission, and valuing of other disciplinary perspectives. The conceptualization phase included generating a shared language and developing a team transdisciplinary orientation. During the implementation phase, the group developed roles and procedures and focused on conflict management. The translation phase includes continued refinement of the mission and goals, implementation of research protocols, and robust dissemination of the scientific work products related to bladder health. Conclusion A diverse group has matured into a productive transdisciplinary team science consortium. Achieving this outcome required dedicated effort for each member to engage in activities that often required more time than single discipline research activities. Provision of the necessary time and tools has fostered a transdisciplinary team science culture and rich research agenda that reflects the complexity of the health issue to be addressed. Our experience may be useful for others embarking on team science projects.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) among girls and women: A conceptual framework adapted from Glass and McAtee 10,13 . LUTS, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is the juice worth the squeeze? Transdisciplinary team science in bladder health

Schmitz

Bavendam

Brady

et al. 2020

Neurourology and Urodynamics

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“…The PLUS Research Consortium previously developed a conceptual framework to organize potential risk and protective factors for LUTS and bladder health by level of social ecology and biology, as well as the developmental period during which a factor is most likely to confer risk or protection 15 . The consortium also grouped potential risk and protective factors into eight prioritized areas of study to guide future prevention science research (see Table 2).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although LUTS are known to occur at different periods over the life course, little research on LUTS has adopted a life course perspective. Potential explanations for this gap include a historical focus on the identification and treatment of LUTS rather than consideration of risk and protective factors that can influence bladder health and be targeted through prevention 15 . In addition, LUTS researchers may be unfamiliar with life course concepts and how to incorporate them into etiologic studies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Applying concepts of life course theory and life course epidemiology to the study of bladder health and lower urinary tract symptoms among girls and women

Brady

Berry

Fitzgerald

et al. 2020

Neurourology and Urodynamics

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Aims: Although lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may occur at different periods during the life course of women, a little research on LUTS has adopted a life course perspective. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to demonstrate how life course theory and life course epidemiology can be applied to study bladder health and LUTS trajectories. We highlight conceptual work from the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium to enhance the understanding of life course concepts. Methods: Consortium members worked in transdisciplinary teams to generate examples of how life course concepts may be applied to research on bladder health and LUTS in eight prioritized areas: (a) biopsychosocial ecology of stress and brain health; (b) toileting environment, access, habits, and techniques; (c) pregnancy and childbirth; (d) physical health and medical conditions; (e) musculoskeletal health; (f) lifestyle behaviors; (g) infections and microbiome; and (h) hormonal status across the life span. Results: Life course concepts guided consortium members' conceptualization of how potential risk and protective factors may influence women's health. For example, intrapartum interventions across multiple pregnancies may influence trajectories of bladder health and LUTS, illustrating the principle of life span development. Consortium members also identified and summarized methodologic and practical considerations in designing life course research. Conclusions: This paper may assist researchers from a variety of disciplines to design and implement research identifying key risk and protective factors for LUTS and bladder health across the life course of women. Results from life course research may inform health promotion programs, policies, and practices. K E Y W O R D S bladder health, epidemiology, girls, life course, lower urinary tract symptoms, prevention, theory, transdisciplinary, women 1186 | BRADY ET AL. | BRADY ET AL.

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“…The PLUS Consortium developed a conceptual framework to guide its initial prevention research agenda (Brady et al, ). This framework acknowledges that individuals are embedded within social ecologies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium focus group Study of Habits, Attitudes, Realities, and Experiences of Bladder health

Low

Williams

Hebert‐Beirne

et al. 2019

Journal of Advanced Nursing

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Aim The study purpose is to explore adolescent and adult women's experiences, perceptions, beliefs, knowledge and behaviours related to bladder health across the life course using a socioecological perspective. Lower urinary tract symptoms affect between 20–40% of young adult to middle‐aged women, with symptoms increasing in incidence and severity with aging. There is limited evidence to address bladder health promotion and prevention of dysfunction. This first study of the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium is designed to address gaps in existing qualitative research in this area. Design This focus group study will be implemented across seven geographically diverse United States research centres using a semi‐structured focus group guide informed by a conceptual framework based on the socioecological model. Methods The study was approved in July 2017. A total of 44 focus groups composed of 6–8 participants representing six different age categories (ranging from 11 to over 65 years) will be completed. We aim to recruit participants with diverse demographic and personal characteristics including race, ethnicity, education, socioeconomic status, urban/rural residence, physical/health conditions, and urinary symptom experience. Six of the focus groups will be conducted in Spanish and translated into English. Focus group transcripts will undergo content analysis and data interpretation to identify and classify themes and articulate emerging themes. Discussion This foundational qualitative study seeks to develop an evidence base to inform future research on bladder health promotion in adolescent and adult women. Impact This study has the potential to provide new insights and understanding into adolescent and adult women's lived experience of bladder health, the experience of lower urinary symptoms and knowledge and beliefs across the life course.

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The Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) in girls and women: Developing a conceptual framework for a prevention research agenda

Cited by 51 publications

References 80 publications

Is the juice worth the squeeze? Transdisciplinary team science in bladder health

Is the juice worth the squeeze? Transdisciplinary team science in bladder health

Applying concepts of life course theory and life course epidemiology to the study of bladder health and lower urinary tract symptoms among girls and women

Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium focus group Study of Habits, Attitudes, Realities, and Experiences of Bladder health

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