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Managing lower urinary tract symptoms in primary care: qualitative study of GPs' and patients' experiences.
- Source :
-
The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners [Br J Gen Pract] 2021 Aug 26; Vol. 71 (710), pp. e685-e692. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Aug 26 (Print Publication: 2021). - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in males aged ≥40 years and have a considerable impact on quality of life. Management can be complex, and although most LUTS could be treated effectively in primary care, referrals to urology outpatients are increasing.<br />Aim: To explore GPs' experiences of managing LUTS together with patients' experiences of and preferences for treatment in primary care.<br />Design and Setting: Telephone interviews were conducted with GPs and male patients presenting to primary care with bothersome LUTS.<br />Method: Eleven GPs and 25 male patients were purposively sampled from 20 GP practices in three UK regions: Newcastle upon Tyne, Bristol, and South Wales. Interviews were conducted between May 2018 and January 2019, and were analysed using a framework approach.<br />Results: Difficulty establishing causes and differentiating between prostate and bladder symptoms were key challenges to the diagnosis of LUTS in primary care, often making treatment a process of trial and error. Pharmacological treatments were commonly ineffective and often caused side effects. Despite this, patients were generally satisfied with GP consultations and expressed a preference for treatment in primary care.<br />Conclusion: Managing LUTS in primary care is a more accessible option for patients. Given the challenges of LUTS diagnosis, an effective diagnostic tool for use by GPs would be beneficial. Ensuring bothersome LUTS are not dismissed as a normal part of ageing is essential in improving patients' quality of life. Greater exploration of the role of non-pharmacological treatments is needed.<br /> (© The Authors.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1478-5242
- Volume :
- 71
- Issue :
- 710
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 34097640
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2020.1043