Exploring the Experiences and Information Needs of Parents Caring for a Child With a Urinary Tract Infection: A
Alyson Campbell1, Lisa Hartling2, Samantha Louie-Poon1
1Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Insights
Pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs) present diverse symptoms, causing parental uncertainty. Evidence-based knowledge tools are needed to guide parents in managing childhood UTIs effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Health Communication
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent in children.
- Variations in clinical practice create uncertainty for parents managing pediatric UTIs.
- There is a need for accessible, evidence-based information for parents regarding childhood UTIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand parents' experiences and information needs concerning their child's UTI.
- To inform the development of knowledge tools for pediatric UTI care.
- To address parental uncertainty stemming from diverse UTI symptoms in children.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative description methodology employed.
- Conducted 16 semistructured interviews with 18 parents of children with UTIs.
- Parents recruited from the emergency department (ED) of a Canadian urban pediatric hospital.
Main Results:
- Five key themes emerged: symptom presentation, family impact, reasons for ED visits, treatment/management experiences, and information needs.
- Identified significant diversity in UTI symptoms experienced by children.
- Parental confusion and uncertainty arise from the varied symptomology of pediatric UTIs.
Conclusions:
- The diverse presentation of pediatric UTIs necessitates improved parental education.
- Development of targeted knowledge tools is crucial for supporting parents.
- Addressing parental information gaps can enhance the care and management of childhood UTIs.
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.
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