LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms): A German-Danish joint project

During the project period (2012 to 2014), 4,000 Danish and 4,000 German women, as well as all family physicians and general practitioners (n=611) in the Fehmarnbelt region, will be sent a questionnaire. Following data collection and analysis, meetings are planned in which the results can be presented and discussed with the general population and physicians.

First, however, the questionnaires must be developed – using focus groups and cognitive interviews, among other methods – and validated according to international standards.

The term "Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms" encompasses various symptoms of lower urinary tract disease, such as increased urinary urgency, leakage when laughing, coughing, or sneezing, and uncontrolled urination. It is known that many women are affected by these problems.
The project is aimed at women (18 years and older) and general practitioners in the Fehmarn Belt region.

The project aims to investigate several questions:
How many women are affected by involuntary urinary loss?
What impact does involuntary urinary loss have on their daily lives?
What support services do women use, and how do they evaluate them?
What role does urinary incontinence play in the daily practice of general practitioners?
What diagnostic and therapeutic options are used?
The overall goal of LUTS is to create cross-border cooperation in the care of women with urinary incontinence and to improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment for these women.