Exploring the Experiences and Information Needs of Parents Caring for a Child With a Urinary Tract Infection: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children, however, clinical practice variations can leave parents unsure how to care for their child. We aim to develop knowledge tools that provide evidence-based information about pediatric UTIs. To inform tool development, we asked parents to share their experiences and information needs in caring for a child with a UTI. Using qualitative description methods, 16 semistructured interviews were conducted with 18 parents. Parents were recruited through the emergency department (ED) of a major Canadian urban pediatric hospital. Five major themes emerged: (1) parent descriptions of their child’s symptoms and behaviors; (2) UTIs have an effect on the entire family; (3) reasons for going to the ED; (4) parent experiences with UTI treatment, management, and follow-up strategies for their child; and (5) parent information needs and preferred information sources for UTIs. Our findings highlight the diversity of UTI symptoms children experience, which causes uncertainty and confusion for parents. This diversity suggests the development of knowledge tools for parents about UTIs is needed.

GPs’ perspectives on diagnosing childhood urinary tract infections: a qualitative study

“… 13 Catheterisation is often perceived as traumatic by the parents. 14 This might help explain why GPs also prefer using adhesive bags. In a study of semi-structured interviews with parents, parents indicated that they would prefer more guidance on urine collection, 15 and, in the current study, GPs proposed information sheets or video clips as a way to educate parents on urine sampling and storage.…”

Parental Knowledge and Awareness of Childhood Urinary Tract Infections: A Cross Sectional Survey

“…Campbell et al found that parents whose children have had at least one UTI could recognize the symptoms and signs of childhood UTIs earlier. 28 In a study of parents’ opinions about diagnosing UTIs in children, Owen et al found that most of the participants believed that health care providers have low childhood UTI awareness levels and do not promptly investigate the possibility of UTIs in children. 22 Practical uncertainties, inadequate knowledge, and financial expenses are health care professionals’ most common obstacles to identifying UTIs.…”

The development and usability testing of two digital knowledge translation tools for parents of children with urinary tract infections

“…Parental narratives were informed through semi-structured qualitative interviews (Appendix A) and a systematic review [17][18]. Parents of children who presented to the Stollery Children's Hospital (Edmonton, Canada) with urinary tract infections were invited to participate.…”

“…Concurrently, a systematic review was conducted to synthesize current evidence about experiences and information needs of parents managing UTI. Results from the systematic review and qualitative interviews are published elsewhere [17][18].…”