Primary Care Practitioners' Experiences Managing Urinary Tract Infections: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

The authors aimed to explore the views, perceptions, and experiences of primary care practitioners (PCPs) in managing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Through a qualitative evidence synthesis of 32 studies involving 690 PCPs, they identified key themes highlighting PCPs' confidence in UTI management, which diminished in complex cases (referred to as "patient X"), and the challenges posed by an overstretched healthcare system and the need to balance antibiotic treatment benefits against risks. The findings underscore the intricate dynamics of UTI management in primary care, exacerbated by systemic issues such as underfunding and staff shortages.