The relationship between treatment objectives and practice patterns in the management of urinary tract infections.
OBJECTIVE
To describe physicians' goals when treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the relationship between goals and practice patterns.


METHODS
Analysis of survey results.


METHODS
Primary care physicians.


METHODS
Self-reported treatment objectives and practice patterns.


RESULTS
Most physicians reported their UTI management was convenient for the patient (81.3%). Fewer stated they minimized patients' costs (53.4%), made an accurate diagnosis (56.7%), or avoided unnecessary antibiotics (40.9%). Physicians who stressed convenience or minimizing patient expenses were less likely to use many resources (urine culture, microscopic urinalysis, followup visits and tests, and prolonged antibiotic treatment) and more likely to use telephone treatment. Physicians who stressed accurate diagnoses or avoiding unnecessary antibiotics were more likely to use the same resources and less likely to use telephone treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
UTI management goals vary across physicians and are associated with different clinical approaches. Differences in treatment objectives may help explain variations in practice patterns.
Flach
Stephen D
SD
Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, Omaha, USA. Stephen-flach@uiowa.edu
Longenecker
J Craig
JC
Tape
Thomas G
TG
Bryan
Teresa J
TJ
Parenti
Connie
C
Wigton
Robert S
RS
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003657:Decision Making; D005249:Fees and Charges; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States; D016482:Urinalysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents