WAVE - a qualitative study on overactive bladder Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Women`s experiences of living with overactive bladder problems, their views on antimuscarinic medication and both women’s and general practice pharmacists’ perspectives on deprescribing strategies – a qualitative study.
IRAS ID
362402
Contact name
Bernadette McGuiness
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queens University Belfast
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 26 days
Research summary
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition that causes a sudden, urgent need to pass urine. It may also lead to leakage (urge incontinence), frequent urination, and getting up during the night to urinate. OAB becomes more common with age and affects older adults, especially women. It can have a serious impact on quality of life. OAB is often treated with medicines called antimuscarinics, which help relax the bladder. However, these drugs can cause side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. Concerns have also been raised that when medications with anticholinergic properties are taken over a long period, they may also increase the risk of memory problems, heart issues, or even earlier death, especially in older adults. One strategy to try and reduce the number of medications with anticholinergic properties an individual takes is deprescribing, which is when a healthcare professional helps a patient to reduce or stop a medicine that may no longer be helpful or may be causing harm. It is an important part of safe prescribing, particularly for older people.
This research is a qualitative study which aims to explore the experiences of women who live with OAB and have been prescribed antimuscarinic medication, and to understand how they feel about the idea of reducing or stopping these drugs. It will also look at the experiences of general practice-based pharmacists (GPPs) who help patients with this process. The study will involve focus groups with two groups: women with OAB and GPPs. It will explore how women manage their condition, what they think about stopping medication, and what challenges or supports exist. It is hoped the findings will help improve how deprescribing is discussed and delivered in practice, ensuring safer and more personalised care for women with OAB.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0272
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion