Role of Family Physician in Diagnosis and Management of Urinary Tract infection in PHC

Background: Urinary tract infection is a rather common disease, especially in the primary care setting. The role of the family practitioner is critical in identifying clinical symptoms. Family practitioners should have high clinical thinking in order to provide the best management plan and reduce the undiagnosed rate and recurrence of this disease. Objectives: We wanted to review the studies relevant to pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management, and prognosis in urinary tract infection, as related to the family physician setting. Methodology: PubMed database was used for articles’ selection, and the following keywords were used in the mesh: “Urinary Tract Infection” [Mesh]; and “Evaluation”[Mesh] or “Management”[Mesh] or “Diagnosis”[Mesh]. Conclusion: Currently, understanding clinical presentation, management options, and referral criteria by the primary care physicians should play an important role in urinary tract infection control. Large infectious focus is the main pathophysiological mechanism behind the disease, and it may overlap with other diagnoses. The burden of repetitive visits and the yearly cost is noxious to patients, health organizations, and the general community. The adequate antibiotic regimen should be prescribed according to the condition of the patient and is it complicated or non-complicated; as this would prevent future episodes from occurring and development of resistant organisms.