Using Pictures Instead of Words: Visual-Validated Questionnaires for LUTS and Neurogenic Bladder

In this review, we evaluate the potential of visual questionnaires for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as a clinically viable alternative to written questionnaires, aiming for improved accuracy and user-friendliness.

Several visual questionnaires, including VPSS, modified VPSS, SVPI, VASUS, LUTS-V, and DRIPSS, have been developed and validated for the assessment of male LUTS through predominantly quantitative studies, with a limited number of qualitative studies.

Visual questionnaires demonstrate comparable efficacy to the written questionnaires, particularly proving their superiority in the less educated populations. However, inherent shortcomings and the lack of well-designed randomized controlled trials delay the integration of visual questionnaires into standard practice. The search for better alternatives continues.