Journal of Health Services Research & Policy最新文献

{"title":"Care homes and primary care in England working together: A multi-method qualitative study.","authors":"Krystal Warmoth, Alex Aylward, Claire Goodman","doi":"10.1177/13558196241306607","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13558196241306607","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>In England, most long-term care for older people with complex health care needs is provided by private care homes. They rely on primary care to provide medical care and access to specialist health care services. This study explored the working relationships between care homes and primary care in one region in England to inform a theory of change for achieving improved relationships.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We carried out a multi-method qualitative study using appreciative inquiry. We thematically analysed data from 33 survey responses, 15 interviews, and eight workshops with care home and primary care staff, family carers, and other community specialists to populate the theory of change. A patient and public involvement representative supported data collection, analysis, and write-up.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Study participants described activities that encouraged role understanding, communication, and learning together benefitting staff, relationships, and quality of services. The lessons and experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic had shaped participants' understanding of what is required to sustain cross-sector collaboration. Key inputs included time, staff, and funding to facilitate learning how to work together effectively, as well as the capacity to adapt to diverse care settings and address the complex, individual needs of care home residents. Participants noted the few opportunities they had to share their learning and discuss best practice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The theory of change identified different dimensions of good practice, providing insight into areas for action to inform service design and practice. Ongoing organisational changes should consider what is already working well and build on these achievements to enable positive care home and primary care working relationships and so foster high quality care and equitable access to services.</p>","PeriodicalId":15953,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health Services Research & Policy","volume":" ","pages":"127-135"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11877972/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142818427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of collaborative governance in translating national cancer programs into network-based practices: A longitudinal case study in Canada.","authors":"Dominique Tremblay, Susan Usher, Karine Bilodeau, Nassera Touati","doi":"10.1177/13558196241300109","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13558196241300109","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives: &lt;/strong&gt;Networks (multiple organizations or actors coordinating their activities towards a common goal) have been promoted in the cancer programs of a number of countries. But there is little empirical evidence on whether and how they overcome the siloed functioning endemic in specialized domains. This study examines how collaborative governance takes shape to support integrated network-based practices within a prescribed national cancer program.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A longitudinal qualitative single-case study was conducted of the Quebec cancer network in Canada. Data were collected in 2018-2020 through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 37) involved in regional and/or national cancer network structures and a review of documents (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 45) generated at national and regional level. Abductive thematic analysis during and post-field work was based on Emerson's collaborative governance framework. It aimed to identify how collaborative governance mechanisms (principled engagement, shared motivation and capacity for joint action) were activated in the network, and their contribution to translating a national cancer program into network-based practices at the point of care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Principled engagement was driven through interdisciplinary committees at national and regional level, communities of practice and trajectory-development efforts. These mandated structures supported knowledge exchange and contributed to the recognition of interdependencies, distribution of leadership and development of mutual understanding and trust. Shared motivation benefitted from a vision of patient-centred care but was hindered by top-down communication vehicles that did not allow regional priorities to filter upwards to central level. Between care providers in different settings, trust and candidacy were identified as mechanisms important to shared motivation, though network actions did not sufficiently support trust across care settings, or even between members of the same profession. Candidacy issues hindered family physician participation in cancer network structures that mirrored ongoing difficulties to including them in cancer care practice. Institutional arrangements were important drivers of capacity for joint action in the network. Common indicators were recognized as important to generating efforts towards common goals; however, questions around their validity reduced their contribution to capacities for joint action.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;Despite favorable starting conditions from the national cancer program and its central leadership promoting collaborative governance, tensions that emerge through the pursuit of network integration limit the transition to a more collaborative practice. Taking the time to work out these tensions as integration proceeds in waves appears essential to arrive at a governance model that is appropriate and acceptable for all network m","PeriodicalId":15953,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health Services Research & Policy","volume":" ","pages":"99-108"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11877973/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142644240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health care providers' perceptions of burnout and moral distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study from Saskatchewan, Canada.","authors":"Jacob Albin Korem Alhassan, Noelle Rohatinsky, Taylor Peru, Carmen Levandoski, Dennis Kendel, Jeff Dmytrowich, Tenille Lafontaine, Matthew Cardinal, Juan Nicolás Peña-Sánchez","doi":"10.1177/13558196241287336","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13558196241287336","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study sought to describe feelings and perceptions of burnout and moral distress experienced by health care providers in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was part of a larger mixed methods project, and we here report on the qualitative results relating to burnout and moral distress experienced by medical doctors, registered nurses and respiratory therapists. We used an exploratory, qualitative descriptive design involving one-one-one interviews with 24 health care providers. Interview data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified three overarching themes each for health care provider burnout and moral distress. Interviews revealed that providers experienced burnout through (i) increased expectations and (ii) unfavourable work environments, which led most of them to recognise (iii) a need to step back. Regarding moral distress, key themes were: (i) a sense of compromised care, (ii) feelings of bumping heads with authorities and patient families, and (iii) seeing patients make difficult decisions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study found that medical doctors, registered nurses and respiratory therapists working during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced and continue to experience significant burnout and moral distress. This was often driven by both institution- and system-level factors. There is a need for sustained investment to build and support a motivated health care workforce to prepare for future pandemics and health emergencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":15953,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health Services Research & Policy","volume":" ","pages":"109-116"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11877978/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142365499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Engagement in child psychiatry department appointments: An analysis of electronic medical records in one safety-net hospital in New England, USA.","authors":"Yesenia Aguilar Silvan, Lisa R Fortuna, Andrea E Spencer, Lauren C Ng","doi":"10.1177/13558196241311712","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13558196241311712","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study examined whether being scheduled in a screening clinic versus scheduled directly with a long-term provider to conduct a mental health intake (MHI) is associated with engagement in child psychiatry services in New England, USA.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We used electronic medical record data from one safety-net hospital serving a predominantly low-income and minoritised population. The study sample included 815 youths aged 0 to 25 years, referred or scheduled for a MHI between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2016. We used chi-square and t-tests to examine the association between referral pathways and engagement, logistic regression to understand the relationship between youth's socio-demographic characteristics and referral pathways, and logistic and Poisson regressions to assess potential moderating effects of socio-demographic characteristics on engagement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the study population was 12 years; 46% were female, and the majority had public health insurance (84%) and lived in high social vulnerability areas (65%). Less than half of the youth attended the first scheduled MHI visit. Those scheduled with the screening clinic were less likely than those scheduled with the provider to ever attend a MHI appointment. Spanish-speakers were more likely to be directly scheduled with a provider (Odds Ratio, OR 0.48; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.73), while those with public health insurance were more likely to be scheduled with the screening clinic (OR 0.56; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.96). Spanish-speaking status and areas social vulnerability scores moderated the relationship between the referral pathway and engagement in psychiatric appointments.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study highlights the need for psychiatric services to evaluate how MHI referral procedures may mitigate barriers to care and facilitate engagement for youth at high risk of not attending psychiatric service appointments.</p>","PeriodicalId":15953,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health Services Research & Policy","volume":" ","pages":"79-88"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11877985/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143006715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"'Misfit' and 'jack of all trades': A qualitative exploration of the structure and functions of a network administrative organisation in Ontario, Canada.","authors":"Jenna M Evans, Elana Commisso, Meena Andiappan","doi":"10.1177/13558196251330524","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13558196251330524","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesLarger, more complex inter-organisational networks with strong, centralised governance structures, often in the form of a network administrative organisation (NAO), have developed in recent years in response to wicked health and social problems. Set in Ontario, Canada, this study explored how NAOs and networks are structured, how they function, and how they evolve.MethodsWe conducted a case study of a NAO and network consisting of 40 member networks in the province of Ontario, Canada. We analysed secondary sources, including policy documents, legislation, contracts, websites, and existing qualitative data.ResultsThe NAO and member networks developed in tandem and dialectically. They ultimately took on a form that defies categorisation within the existing literature due to their structure as a 'network of member networks' and by acting simultaneously as a policy network, service delivery coordination network, and governance network, by executing numerous complex mandates and functions in service of multiple stakeholders, and by exemplifying both high control and high collaboration.ConclusionsWe classified the NAO and its network as a 'misfit' and 'jack of all trades'. These features may help explain its perceived effectiveness. The complexity and hybrid nature of the NAO and network may position it to best address multifaceted health care problems.</p>","PeriodicalId":15953,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health Services Research & Policy","volume":" ","pages":"13558196251330524"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143743035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of COVID-19 policy stringency on patient satisfaction with community pharmacies in China: A cross-sectional standardized patient study.","authors":"Ruijian Huang, Dong Roman Xu, Jay Pan, Xiaohui Wang, Yingsong Chen, Qingyuan Xue, Jiamei Liu, Jingyun Xu, Yue Xiao, Feng Jiang, Yanfei Chen, Siyu Ding, Di Wang, Jifang Zhou","doi":"10.1177/13558196251330586","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13558196251330586","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesCommunity pharmacies play a crucial role in China's primary health care system. This study aimed to assess the impact of stringent COVID-19 policy responses - such as lockdowns, travel restrictions and operational closures - on unannounced standardized patients' (USPs) satisfaction with community pharmacy services.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2021 to September 2022, using an USPs approach in community pharmacies across China. USPs' satisfaction was measured using validated tools, with closure policies related to COVID-19 as the primary exposure variable.ResultsThe study included 1076 eligible USP visits to community pharmacies. Results indicated that stricter closure policies had a significant negative impact on USPs' satisfaction (β = -0.18, <i>p</i> = 0.019). This negative effect may be attributed to worsened capability of pharmaceutical service providers (β = -0.17, <i>p</i> = 0.002) and accessibility (β = -0.12, <i>p</i> = 0.019). Subgroup analyses demonstrated a negative correlation between stricter closure policies and lower satisfaction levels with regard to accessibility, capability, and communication.ConclusionsCOVID-19 closure policies in China had adverse consequences for the quality of pharmacy services. These findings highlight that governments must act with urgency when addressing abrupt infectious diseases or public health emergencies. Enhancing access to pharmacy services and capability of providers are critical strategies to ensure an effective response to sudden public health crises.</p>","PeriodicalId":15953,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health Services Research & Policy","volume":" ","pages":"13558196251330586"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143743040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"'Come and work here!' a qualitative exploration of local community-led initiatives to recruit and retain health care staff in remote and rural areas of the UK.","authors":"Andrew Maclaren, Louise Locock, Zoë Skea, Lorraine Angell, Jennifer Cleland, Topher Dawson, Alan Denison, Christina Dobson, Rosemary Hollick, Peter Murchie, Diane Skåtun, Verity Watson","doi":"10.1177/13558196251318607","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13558196251318607","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The recruitment and retention of health care staff to remote and rural communities is a major challenge. This study explored the experiences of remote and rural communities in trying to attract and retain health care staff and their families in the UK.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Qualitative case studies in five remote and rural communities, two in England and three in Scotland. We conducted interviews with 22 participants across the five sites, including community members actively involved in recruitment and retention, health care professionals, and their family members. Fieldwork combined remote and in-person data collection. We used thematic analysis across cases drawing on asset-based community development as our theoretical framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Communities undertook various activities such as making promotional videos, social media campaigns, getting involved on interview panels, and informal social integration efforts. They drew on a range of local assets to encourage health care staff to come to the area, including showcasing local landscapes, outdoor activities, a safe, welcoming community for children and families, and good quality of life. They also drew on the skills of local people with backgrounds in marketing, design, communications and photography or film-making. The absence of some key assets posed challenges, particularly lack of housing, schooling provision, employment opportunities for other family members, and cultural activities. Community-led initiatives were often prompted by local dissatisfaction with health organisations' efforts to recruit health care staff, and a wish to exercise some control over recruitment initiatives. Activities were commonly driven by a small number of individuals. While this worked well in some communities, the burden of responsibility could be substantial. This also sometimes led to tension within communities. Retention efforts commonly relied on informal networks of key individuals who intentionally forged social links for incoming families.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There is a key role for communities to play in recruitment and retention in remote and rural regions. There is an opportunity to actively engage community members in collaboratively crafting a campaign that highlights the area's key attractions while being mindful of limitations on reliance on an asset-based approach. Retention is a neglected topic, relying on key individuals going out of their way to help newcomers integrate. The formation of a community stakeholder group could help formalise this and reduce reliance on the goodwill and energy of individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":15953,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health Services Research & Policy","volume":" ","pages":"13558196251318607"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143537237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A qualitative exploration of the perceived barriers and enablers of providing mental health care in rural Australian general practice.","authors":"Belinda Fuss, Tania Shelby-James, Sharon Lawn, Paul Worley, Sam Manger, Caroline Phegan, Megan Rattray","doi":"10.1177/13558196251319654","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13558196251319654","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> General practice plays an important role in delivering and supporting mental health care within communities, particularly for those living in rural areas where access to specialised support is limited. This study sought to understand the barriers and facilitators to providing mental health care in rural Australian general practices. <b>Methods:</b> A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken involving online interviews with 14 staff at three rural Australian general practices between June and September 2023. Participants included nurses (<i>n</i> = 4), GPs, (<i>n</i> = 4), reception staff (<i>n</i> = 3) and practice managers (<i>n</i> = 3). Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. <b>Results:</b> Our analysis identified three themes: (i) systemic challenges and supportive infrastructure; (ii) health care personnel factors; and (iii) patient characteristics and preferences. Systemic challenges included limited access to services and specialist support, and challenges with information transmission, while the clinic location and set-up were seen as beneficial. Health care personnel factors included interpersonal needs and challenges, time constraints and how to balance care needs, and the difficulties of attracting and retaining a local workforce. Patient characteristics and preferences included societal stigma and individual hesitancy, lack of awareness, understanding and education around mental health and willingness and affordability of travel and using technology. <b>Conclusions:</b> Rural general practice in Australia faces a range of barriers and enablers that shape the provision of mental health care. To address these challenges, collaboration across various sectors will be required. Improving infrastructure, better resource allocation, addressing workforce shortages, reducing stigma, enhancing mental health literacy, and ensuring the accessibility of mental health care services are all crucial steps. It will be important to align policy goals across sectors to improve the delivery of mental health care in rural general practice in Australia.</p>","PeriodicalId":15953,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health Services Research & Policy","volume":" ","pages":"13558196251319654"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143458175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of digital facilitation to support the use of digital services in general practice in England: An interview study with key stakeholders.","authors":"Bethan Mair Treadgold, Rachel Winder, Helen Atherton, Carol Bryce, John Campbell, Christine Marriott, Jenny Newbould, Stephanie Stockwell, Emma Pitchforth","doi":"10.1177/13558196251316446","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13558196251316446","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Digital services in primary care are becoming more common, yet access to and use of services can create inequities. Our aim was to explore the drivers, priorities, and evolving policy context influencing digital facilitation in primary care as reported by national, regional and local level stakeholders in England.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted online semi-structured qualitative interviews with stakeholders, including those in NHS England organisations, local commissioners for health care, statutory and third sector organisations, those working within the research community, and digital platform providers. Interviews were analysed using a thematic approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of stakeholders worked in national level roles, in commissioning or statutory and third sector organisations working in relation to digital inclusion and patient access. Demographic inequalities, poor usability of digital primary care services, and low digital skills were perceived to comprise some of the barriers facing patients in accessing and using digital primary care services. Demand pressures in general practice, inconsistent training opportunities in digital services for staff, and conflicting perceptions around who should be responsible in organising digital facilitation were reported as barriers in the organisation and provision of digital facilitation in primary care. Stakeholders shared future visions for digital primary care and recommended focusing on establishing the concept of digital facilitation and promoting the benefits in its adoption.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Policy that is specific to digital facilitation and not just to digital services is required to establish clear lines of responsibility, investment in staff time and training, and the development of digital services that work well for various groups of patients and practice staff. A multi-organisational working team involving decision-makers and those working on the ground in general practice is encouraged to establish principles for supporting patients and staff in accessing and using digital primary care services in the NHS in England.</p>","PeriodicalId":15953,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health Services Research & Policy","volume":" ","pages":"13558196251316446"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143065908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The appropriateness of self-care policy for urinary tract infections among women from racialised minorities and low-income households in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study.","authors":"Agata Pacho, Nicholas Mays, Rebecca E Glover","doi":"10.1177/13558196251313736","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13558196251313736","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can negatively impact quality of life, especially when recurring. Patients often seek medical advice to relieve painful symptoms. UTIs are also the second most common reason antibiotics are prescribed in English primary care. However, overuse and long-term use of antibiotics for suspected UTIs in women can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making future treatments less effective. The UK's 2019-24 Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan aims to raise public awareness about the risks of overusing antibiotics and encourages self-care for minor infections, like uncomplicated UTIs. We explored how feasible and appropriate this approach is.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The transcripts from four online focus groups and 19 one-to-one online interviews involving 25 racialised minority and/or low-income women were analysed thematically. Meetings with lay members of the public with similar socio-demographics and experiences to those we planned on recruiting for the research helped to orientate the study, refine its materials and enhance its recruitment strategies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All participants spoke about UTI-related anxieties, which they experienced differently depending on the frequency and the course of UTI episodes, and how knowledgeable they were about the symptoms. Participants often practised self-care for UTIs before seeking professional advice. They saw consultations with health care professionals as valuable for managing the symptoms of UTIs and navigating self-care options. Those with recurrent UTIs felt they could recognise when they required antibiotics and, therefore, they felt they could take responsibility for minimising overprescribing. Barriers to self-care included high pressure working days and not being able to take time off work to recover.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Participants in our study were often able to self-diagnose and assess the severity of their symptoms, which makes them partners in efforts to improve antibiotic stewardship. They still valued consulting professionals for advice and support about their UTIs, irrespective of whether they received a prescription.</p>","PeriodicalId":15953,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health Services Research & Policy","volume":" ","pages":"13558196251313736"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143006720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}