Knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs about urinary tract infections in persons with neurogenic bladder and impacts on interventions to promote person-centered care

Spinal Cord, 2024 · DOI: 10.1038/s41393-024-00972-z · Published: May 1, 2024

Urology Immunology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

The study explores how people with neurogenic bladder (NB) understand and feel about urinary tract infections (UTIs). It looks at how their knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs might affect their health behaviors and how doctors manage their care. The research aims to use these insights to make UTI management more personalized and effective for individuals with NB, focusing on improving patient knowledge, communication, and shared decision-making with healthcare providers. The study involved focus groups with Veterans who have NB due to spinal cord injury/disorder or multiple sclerosis, examining their experiences and thoughts related to UTIs to inform better intervention strategies.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

23 Veterans (SCI/D, 78%; MS: 18.5%)

Evidence Level

Qualitative study

Key Findings

1
Participants showed knowledge gaps in UTI prevention, identifying specific UTI symptoms, and understanding antibiotic side effects.
2
Participants expressed dissatisfaction with care in the Emergency Department due to providers' lack of knowledge about neurogenic bladder.
3
Participants often perceived the risks of UTIs as greater than the risks of antibiotic use and desired education involving caregivers, diverse settings, and both verbal and written materials.

Research Summary

This qualitative study explored the knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs about UTIs among Veterans with neurogenic bladder (NB) to inform the development of person-centered interventions for improved UTI management. The study identified key themes related to participant knowledge, factors affecting the intervention environment (such as provider knowledge and patient-provider communication), and factors affecting modes of intervention delivery (including perceptions of UTI and antibiotic risks). The findings emphasize the need for targeted education, engagement of trusted providers, improved communication, and consideration of patient preferences for content delivery to optimize self-efficacy and promote appropriate UTI care in the NB population.

Practical Implications

Tailored Education Programs

Develop educational content addressing knowledge gaps in UTI prevention, symptom identification, and antibiotic side effects, specifically designed for persons with NB.

Improve Provider Communication

Implement training programs for healthcare providers to enhance their knowledge of NB and improve patient-provider communication, particularly in emergency care settings.

Engage Caregivers in Education

Incorporate non-medical caregivers in educational interventions to improve support and cues for appropriate UTI management.

Study Limitations

1
Participants may not fully represent all Veterans with NB.
2
Study conducted in the VA may not fully represent non-Veterans with NB.
3
Virtual discussions limited participation to those with Microsoft Teams access.

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