Managing Overactive Bladder in Older Adults: Challenges and Strategies for Long-Term Care

Program Description

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a chronic condition defined as urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia without the presence of an infection or other identified diagnosis that affects around 16.5% of the US population. As OAB has become more common in the aging population, it is important for pharmacists, specifically those in long-term care, to be able to recognize the symptoms and understand the differences between OAB and other disease states with similar presentations, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This webinar will review the pathophysiology, symptoms, and burden of untreated OAB and BPH in long-term care facilities. While antimuscarinics or anticholinergics have historically been used for treatment, these therapies often increase the risk of cognitive impairment, dementia, and falls in older adults. This webinar will explore advancements in therapies, with a focus on evidence for the use of beta-3 adrenergic agonists, as these agents have a favorable adverse effect profile. Guideline recommendations will be a focus of the discussion to support long-term care pharmacists in making informed, evidence-based treatment decisions for older adult patients with OAB and BPH.

Target audience: Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, Community Pharmacist, Consultant Pharmacist, Retail Pharmacist

Type of activity: Application

Release date: November 25, 2025

Expiration date: November 25, 2026

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hours

Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate, Advanced

Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the symptoms and differences between overactive bladder (OAB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia and their impact on patient quality of life and health outcomes
2. Identify limitations of older therapies for OAB and data supporting the efficacy and safety of newer and emerging treatments when consulting with the long-term care team
3. Personalize patient care by applying knowledge about the range of therapeutic options, supporting decision-making and consulting with other clinicians to improve patient outcomes for those with OAB