Navigating nocturia care in the UK: patient experiences and gaps in clinical assessment and management: A cross-sectional study

Objectives To investigate real-world healthcare experiences of individuals in the UK who consulted health and care professionals for nocturia. The study explored the assessments, management strategies, referrals and follow-up patterns received by patients experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), as well as their level of satisfaction with those. The association of socio-demographic factors with these patterns was also analysed. Design a cross-sectional online survey. ​ Setting Community-based, United Kingdom. Participants From 2,012 completers, 453 (22.5%) reported consulting healthcare professionals for LUTS (55.0% female, 75.5% White; aged 18–65+; convenience sampling via online panels/networks). Interventions None (observational survey study). Primary and secondary outcome measures Healthcare provider consulted; assessments (e.g., history, bladder diary, exams, tests); management (e.g., behavioural, pharmacological); referrals/follow-up; satisfaction; associations via chi-square tests and regression (planned and as executed). Results General Practitioners (GPs) were the most consulted providers (73.1%), but guideline-recommended tools such as bladder diaries were underutilised (13.9%). Only 12.1% were referred to specialists. Satisfaction with care was mixed: 59% were satisfied with assessment and 54% with treatment, but dissatisfaction was common around referrals, follow-up and cause explanation. LTCs and disability were associated with greater unmet needs. Participants consistently called for more accessible information, clinician training and better self-management support. Conclusions Even among help-seeking individuals, care for nocturia is fragmented, inconsistent and often suboptimal. Significant improvements are needed in the clinical assessment of nocturia, including greater use of validated tools, better communication and person-centred care pathways. Findings highlight the importance of embedding bladder health into routine care, expanding non-physician roles and ensuring equity in access and quality of LUTS care.