The URinControl-study formed the basis for her PhD research in 2021; she is currently the project leader of the follow-up to the study, the URinControl-4AII implementation project, in collaboration with Professor Marco Blanker and senior researcher Dr Henk van der Worp. The team has developed the URinControl app - a self-managed treatment for accidental urinary loss in women. The Ben Feeringa award nominee, tells us more on her research about the treatment of urinary incontinence through the self-help app 'URinControl.'
The research started in 2014 and ever since, the team aimed for a successful implementation. An extensive research and development process took place in order to set up the app together with stakeholders. “For our research we used an approach to evaluate a complex intervention, by mixing methods and by making use of several theoretical frameworks. This enabled us to thoroughly evaluate the intervention from different perspectives to increase the impact of the URinControl-app, and make the results transferable for other eHealth-interventions.” says Anne Loohuis.
The URinControl app aids the management and treatment of accidental loss of urine in women. The research has shown that the app works just as well as treatment provided by a GP with cost savings of €160 per patient per year. It provides insight into the factors that are important for successful treatment and user experience. The app has been freely and securely available since 2021 and it is mentioned on Thuisarts.nl. The implementation focuses on accessibility for vulnerable groups, embedding in healthcare, visibility in the societal domain, and a sustainable funding structure. To this end, the team is working together with Curavista BV, Instituut Verantwoord Medicijngebruik (the Dutch Institute for Responsible Use of Medicine; IVM), and Pharos. This makes the project a good example for demonstrating all the important factors in evidence-based eHealth research.
With regard to this process and the future objectives, Anne Loohuis states that: “the thorough process of development, research and implementation has led to successful implementation and support by stakeholders. Also, the publications addressing the complexity can guide development of and research into other eHealth-interventions. Thirdly, during the implementations process, we address important challenges as sustainable funding on a national level working together with other eHealth-initiatives. In the upcoming year we will also work internationally and aim to implement URinControl abroad. There we aim to assess transferability of effectiveness across borders and a cultural validation of evidence-based eHealth. Our overarching aim is financially sustainable, evidence-based eHealth as standard part of our healthcare system.”
With the URinControl app, currently used by 22.000 women, patients can manage uncomfortable symptoms in an accessible and practical manner. This leads to immediate health improvements and cost effectiveness. The project provides women with a good alternative treatment for urine loss and creates impact when it comes to developing, evaluating, and implementing digital innovations in healthcare. With attention in the national media and on social media, the app helps normalizing urine loss and minimizing the taboo. The impact on healthcare, policy, and culture is growing thanks to collaboration with professional associations, health insurance companies (VGZ, ONVZ, digizo.nu), and medical and societal parties such as informative websites and pharmacies.
The URinControl project is challenging, yet multifaceted and innovative, due to the variety of research methods, the subsequent phases, and thecontinuous link with the patient, healthcare, and society at large. More information on the study is available on www.urincontrol.nl. The app-based treatment is freely available in the Netherlands and now also translated to English. It can be downloaded in the app-stores or through
urincontrol.online.
The UMCG Innovation Center is proud to support the development and implementation of initiatives such as the URinControl app, an innovative solution addressing societal challenges through digital health interventions. Through the dedicated efforts of Anne Loohuis and her team, the URinControl app has set a benchmark for future digital healthcare solutions. We are happy to contribute to projects that not only improve patient outcomes but also support sustainable, evidence-based innovations in the healthcare system.
