ACCEP-TTNS QUAL Study V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the acceptability and perceived feasibility of Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS), bladder diary and other outcome measure completion among frail older adults with overactive bladder and their caregivers in an inpatient rehabilitation unit: a qualitative study.
IRAS ID
362558
Contact name
Ishmeet Singh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Essex
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Many older people live with urgency urinary incontinence- a sudden, strong need to pass urine that can cause leaks before reaching the toilet. This condition is more than just inconvenient; it can be embarrassing, isolating, and reduce independence. Medicines and bladder training don’t always work, and some treatments have side effects that are difficult for older people to manage.
A simple, non-invasive treatment called Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) exists. “Transcutaneous” means “through the skin.” TTNS uses a small device and sticky pads placed on the ankle to send a gentle, tingling electrical signal to a nerve connected to bladder control centers. This signal aims to “remind” the bladder how to function properly. The stimulation is not painful and can be done while sitting comfortably.
While TTNS has been tested in younger adults, we don’t yet know how frail older adults feel about it or whether it is practical to offer in an NHS inpatient rehabilitation unit.
To understand this, we will conduct semi-structured interviews with frail older adults and their caregivers. We want to explore how they perceive and manage the acceptability and feasibility of TTNS and completing bladder diaries during their rehabilitation.
Our aims are to:
Explore the views of frail older adults and their caregivers on participating in a TTNS treatment for overactive bladder, including comfort, ease of use, benefits, and any physical or psychological burdens.
Identify barriers and facilitators to sticking with a TTNS treatment plan.
Investigate how feasible it is for frail older adults to complete bladder diaries and questionnaires, and how caregiver support or simplified methods might help.
Gather suggestions from participants and caregivers on how best to deliver TTNS and collect data in this group.
Consult with healthcare staff to understand the practicalities of running a future trial, including the fairness and flow of assigning patients to different treatment groups by chance (randomisation).
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0139
Date of REC Opinion
13 May 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion