Communicating Diagnostic Preferences for a Chronic Urinary Tract Infection Among the Adult Female Population

Background: Patient stories regarding their experiences of a urinary tract infection, and the language used in dialogue, details the severity and long-lasting consequences of their infection. The aim of this study was to understand the language and dialogue that patients use when discussing diagnosis and management processes that should be embedded as standard practice for their diagnostic bladder journey among the adult female population. Methods: This study adopted a descriptive-interpretive qualitative research approach. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted as part of a wider study which focused on diagnosis and management of a urinary tract infection. Data were analyzed using NVivoTM software to identify thematic insight. Results: The main concept that emerged from language expressed through dialogue, was that the patients used collective words and phrases that demonstrated their need for effective diagnosis and management of their urinary tract infection. Diagnostic screening processes that would be straightforward and accurate was their main priority, and having a true record of infection from the urine specimen they produced was frequently articulated in the language they used. Conclusion: Understanding language expressed through dialogue when discussing diagnosis and management of a urinary tract infection are important aspects that should be embedded as standard practice among the adult female population diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.