RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Managing LUTS in primary care: Qualitative study of GPs’ and patients’ experiences
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP BJGP.2020.1043
DO 10.3399/BJGP.2020.1043
A1 Sarah Milosevic
A1 Natalie Joseph-Williams
A1 Bethan Pell
A1 Elizabeth Cain
A1 Robyn Hackett
A1 Ffion Murdoch
A1 Haroon Ahmed
A1 A Joy Allen
A1 Alison Bray
A1 Emma Thomas-Jones
A1 Chris Harding
A1 Adrian Edwards
YR 2021
UL http://bjgp.org/content/early/2021/06/02/BJGP.2020.1043.abstract
AB Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in older men and impact considerably on their quality of life. Management can be complex, and although most LUTS could be treated effectively in primary care, referrals to urology outpatients are increasing. The experiences of General Practitioners (GPs) and patients relating to the management of LUTS have not yet been fully explored. Aim: To explore GPs’ experiences of managing LUTS, together with patients’ experiences of and preferences for treatment in primary care. Design and setting: Qualitative telephone interviews with GPs and male patients presenting to primary care with bothersome LUTS. Method: Eleven GPs and 25 male patients were purposively sampled from 20 GP practices in 3 UK regions. Interviews were conducted between May 2018 and January 2019 and analysed using a framework approach. Results: Difficulty establishing causes and differentiating between prostate and bladder symptoms were key challenges to the diagnosis of LUTS in primary care, making treatment often 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. 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.