Do UTI guidelines work?
A group of researchers showed recently that practice guidelines can be applied to common problems such as uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) and result in substantial cost savings with no decrease in patient satisfaction or quality of care.1
The protocol called for telephone triage by a nurse and a standardized treatment regimen. About 1,900 patients at 22 clinics received treatment based on the guidelines, while about 250 patients at control clinics did not. Patients at the 22 clinics were less likely to receive urinalysis, urine culture, or an office visit than patients in the control group. Rates of subsequent office visits for UTI, sexually transmitted disease, or pyelonephritis did not differ significantly between the groups. And a post-treatment survey of patients revealed that 95% were satisfied with the care they received. The investigators noted that collaboration among physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and support personnel was essential to the success of the guideline implementation.
Reference
1. Saint S, et al. The effectiveness of a clinical practice guideline for the management of presumed uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women. Am J Med 1999; 106:636-641.
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