Feasibility of Mini sip^IT Behavioral Intervention to Increase Urine Volume in Patients With Kidney Stones

Objective: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of mini sip^IT, a context-sensitive reminder system that incorporates a connected water bottle and mobile app with text messaging, for kidney stone patients who have poor adherence to increasing fluid intake for prevention. Methods: Patients with a history of kidney stones and urine volume <2 L/d participated in a 1-month single-group feasibility trial. Patients used a connected water bottle and received text message reminders when fluid intake goals weren't met. Perceptions of drinking behavior, intervention acceptability, and 24-hour urine volumes were obtained at baseline and 1-month. Results: Patients with a history of kidney stones were enrolled (n = 26, 77% female, age = 50.4 ± 14.2 years). Over 90% of patients used the bottle or app daily. Most patients perceived that mini sip^IT intervention helped them to increase their fluid intake (85%) and reach their fluid intake goals (65%). There was a significant increase in average 24-hour urine volume after the 1-month intervention compared to baseline (2006.5 ± 980.8 mL vs 1352.7 ± 449.9 mL, t (25) = 3.66, P = .001, g = 0.78), with 73% of patients having higher 24-hour urine volumes at the end of the trial. Conclusion: Mini sip^IT behavioral intervention and outcome assessments are feasible for patients and may lead to significant increases in 24-hour urine volume. Digital tools in combination with behavioral science may improve adherence to fluid intake recommendations for kidney stone prevention, however, rigorous efficacy trials are necessary.