Evaluation of proudP

A sound-based approach to uroflowmetry

Authors

  • Dean Elterman Université de Montréal
  • Naeem Bhojani University of Toronto
  • Kiwook Lee
  • Jiyoung Jung Soundable Health, Inc.
  • Karen Doo Soundable Health, Inc.
  • Laura E. Gressler University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  • Bilal Chughtai Northwell Health https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0515-2578

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.8870

Keywords:

Uroflowmetry, proudP, AI algorithm, mobile application, urination sounds, Uroflow simulator

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: We sought to assess the performance of the proudP artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, integrated into a mobile application, in estimating uroflow curves and parameters using recorded urination sounds.

METHODS: A direct comparison was made between the peak flow rate (Qmax), voided volume (VV), and uroflow curves predicted by the proudP algorithm and those obtained through established validation methods. A hardware uroflow simulator replicated uroflow profiles by precisely controlling water flow rates and extracting corresponding sound data. Ten uroflow profiles, representing typical patterns observed in male subjects, were selected. Simulation experiments with proudP were conducted using a standard toilet setup. The uroflow simulator was calibrated to reproduce uroflow profiles, and validation was performed against a Flowmaster uroflowmetry device. Statistical analysis included descriptive summaries, Bland-Altman analysis, and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) analysis.

RESULTS: The proudP accurately captured various uroflow patterns generated by the simulator, with low standard deviations in Qmax predictions and biases near zero. The standard deviations of voided volume were slightly larger, primarily due to uroflow patterns with extended voiding times. The study validated the accuracy of proudP against in-office uroflowmetry, demonstrating robustness across different smartphone models.

CONCLUSIONS: ProudP proved to be as accurate as in-office uroflowmetry in estimating uroflow rate across various patterns. Its convenience in home monitoring offers patients a means to observe their urination patterns accurately, while enabling healthcare professionals to gain detailed insights remotely. ProudP emerges as an essential solution for clinical practice and urological research.

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Published

2024-08-30

How to Cite

Elterman, D., Bhojani, N., Lee, K., Jung, J., Doo, K., Gressler, L. E., & Chughtai, B. (2024). Evaluation of proudP: A sound-based approach to uroflowmetry. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 19(1), E50–4. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.8870

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2025): CUAJ January

Section

Original Research

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