Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Multidisciplinary Approach in the Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Complex Co-morbidities

Antoniadis G1, Tsionga A2, Thomas C3, Papathanasiou C4, Tsivgoulis A5, Dardiotis E6, Samarinas M7

Research Type

Clinical

Abstract Category

Health Services Delivery

Abstract 692
Open Discussion ePosters
Scientific Open Discussion Session 108
Saturday 20th September 2025
13:45 - 13:50 (ePoster Station 3)
Exhibition
Quality of Life (QoL) Rehabilitation Prevention Questionnaire
1. Urology Dpt, General Hospital of Larissa, Greece, 2. Urologist, Larissa, 3. Urology Dpt, General Hospital of Corinth, Greece, 4. Physiotherapist, Larissa, 5. Doctor of Rehabilitation, Larissa, 6. Neurology Dpt, University of Thessaly, Greece, 7. 2nd Urology Dpt, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Presenter
Links

Abstract

Hypothesis / aims of study
Managing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with complex comorbidities requires a comprehensive, patient-centered approach. A multidisciplinary model, integrating expertise from various healthcare professionals, has the potential to enhance patient care through coordinated interventions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of such an approach by assessing its impact on patient satisfaction, recovery time, and overall health improvements.
Study design, materials and methods
The study was conducted across two rehabilitation centers, one physiotherapy center, and public hospital clinics, involving collaboration between urologists, physiatrists, physiotherapists, and neurologists. Each specialist contributed to a tailored treatment plan addressing both medical and functional aspects of care.
Data were collected from patient records and clinical assessments, focusing on patient satisfaction, recovery duration, and measurable health improvements. Inclusion criteria required patients to have persistent LUTS and at least one comorbidity requiring multidisciplinary intervention. Patients who did not complete the treatment cycle or had incomplete data were excluded from analysis.
Results
A total of 644 patients were enrolled, with 490 completing the multidisciplinary treatment cycle. The integration of services across specialties led to significant improvements:
•	Patient Satisfaction: A 40% increase in satisfaction was observed, highlighting the benefits of coordinated, patient-centered care. Patients valued seamless communication among specialists and individualized treatment plans.
•	Recovery Time Reduction: Recovery times decreased by 30% compared to conventional treatments, demonstrating the efficiency of addressing multiple health aspects simultaneously.
•	Overall Health Improvement: A 25% increase in measurable health improvements was recorded, reflecting better symptom management, functional recovery, and overall well-being.
•	Trust and Willingness to Recommend: All 490 patients who completed treatment expressed full trust in the referral center and stated they would recommend it to others.
Interpretation of results
The findings strongly support the advantages of a multidisciplinary approach in managing LUTS in patients with complex comorbidities. The significant improvements in patient satisfaction, recovery time, and overall health suggest that an integrated care model provides more effective treatment than conventional single-specialty approaches.
One of the primary strengths of this model is its ability to deliver holistic, patient-centered care. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, this approach ensures that multiple aspects of a patient’s health are addressed concurrently. For example, while urologists manage the core LUTS symptoms, physiotherapists and physiatrists contribute by improving pelvic floor function and mobility, while neurologists assist in managing neurological contributors to urinary dysfunction. This comprehensive strategy likely explains the observed reductions in recovery time and increases in overall health improvements.
The high level of trust and willingness to recommend the referral center suggest that patients perceive this model as highly beneficial. Trust in healthcare providers is a critical factor influencing adherence to treatment and overall satisfaction with medical care. The structured collaboration among specialists may have contributed to a more cohesive and reassuring patient experience.
Despite positive findings, further research is needed to assess the long-term sustainability of this approach. Questions remain about whether the observed benefits persist over extended follow-up periods and whether similar outcomes can be achieved in different healthcare systems. Future studies should also explore the cost-effectiveness of implementing multidisciplinary care models on a larger scale. Understanding these factors will be essential for optimizing healthcare delivery and ensuring that such models remain feasible and accessible.
Concluding message
This study provides strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach in managing LUTS and associated comorbidities. By fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, this model leads to improved patient satisfaction, reduced recovery times, and better health outcomes. The findings emphasize the importance of integrated healthcare strategies in managing complex medical conditions. As the demand for comprehensive, patient-centered care grows, such approaches may play a crucial role in optimizing treatment outcomes and improving overall healthcare delivery.
References
  1. Drake MJ. Management and rehabilitation of neurologic patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction. Handb Clin Neurol. 2015;130:451-68. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-63247-0.00026-2
  2. Panicker JN, de Sèze M, Fowler CJ. Rehabilitation in practice: neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and its management. Clin Rehabil. 2010 Jul;24(7):579-89. doi: 10.1177/0269215509353252
  3. Al Dandan HB, Galvin R, McClurg D, et al. Management strategies for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: a qualitative study of the experiences of people with multiple sclerosis and healthcare professionals. Disabil Rehabil. 2022 Jul;44(15):3805-3815. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1887378
Disclosures
Funding none Clinical Trial No Subjects Human Ethics Committee Scientific Council of General Hospital of Larissa Helsinki Yes Informed Consent Yes
03/07/2025 03:02:25