Leydon, Geraldine M, Turner, Sheila, Smith, Helen and Little, Paul (2009) The journey from self care to GP care: a qualitative interview study of women presenting with symptoms of urinary tract infection. British Journal of General Practice, 59 (564). pp. 219-225. ISSN 0960-1643

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Abstract

Background
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the commonest acute infections presenting to primary care. Little is known of women's experiences of UTI; self-care strategies and key triggers for their consulting behaviour are also little known.
Aim
To explore women's experiences of self-care and their journey to GP care, when faced with symptoms of a UTI.
Design of study
Qualitative semi-structured interview study with women recruited to a larger UK trial of different management strategies for UTI.
Setting
General practices across four counties in southern England.
Method
Twenty-one women were interviewed about the experiences they had prior to their GP visit, self-care strategies, and triggers for help seeking. Interviews were analysed thematically, using principles of analytic induction.
Results
Women reported a process of evaluation, monitoring, re-evaluation, and, finally, consulting in order to meet their needs. Four key triggers for consulting were identified: failure to alleviate symptoms through self-care; symptom duration and escalation; impeding normal functioning and the fulfilment of social roles; and concern that it may be or become a serious illness.
Conclusion
Although UTI is often self-limiting, when taking patient histories and formulating their management strategies clinicians need to take into account women's often painful experience, their efforts to resolve symptoms prior to consulting, and their fears that the symptoms may indicate something more serious than a UTI.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	antibiotics, consultation, urinary tract infection
Schools and Departments:	Brighton and Sussex Medical School > Primary Care and Public Health
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Depositing User:	Jessica Stockdale
Date Deposited:	30 Apr 2012 10:34
Last Modified:	30 Nov 2012 16:56
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/7699

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