How do patients' UTI experiences differ from providers'?: a UTI survey of healthcare professionals and female patients.
This study sought to assess differences, if any, between how women and their healthcare providers perceive the severity of symptoms associated with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), the suspected causes, the inconvenience they cause women, and what therapy is optimal. Two individual surveys were conducted after a telephone screening. The first survey was conducted in adult female patients with a history of acute UTIs and the second in medical professionals who commonly treat this condition. The surveys explored: the burden of UTI compared with other conditions, the impact of UTI on patient lifestyle, the process for seeking treatment and following doctor recommendations, the knowledge of available treatment options, and the meaning of optimal treatment. Several disconcordant perceptions were seen. Among patients, 30% believed that UTIs were primarily diet-related; bacteria or personal hygiene were considered less likely causes. However, half of the healthcare providers surveyed believed that most patients recognized the true causes of UTIs. Healthcare providers perceived UTI discomfort to be less severe than patients did and perceived female patients to be more concerned about the health impact than did the patients. Providers believed that short-course therapy, increased education, and prevention would improve care, while patients felt that over-the-counter options would help. Patients require more education regarding risk factors, prevention strategies, and optimal therapy. Providers also require more education about the patients' perspectives of the burden of disease.
Cook
David
D
Wirthlin Worldwide, Cincinnati, OH 45241, USA. dcook@wirthlin.com
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy