Improving rational prescribing for UTI in frail elderly (ImpresU)

Frail older people are often prescribed antibiotics because of a suspected urinary tract infection. Some of these prescriptions are not appropriate because there is no infection. And also risky, because this makes bacteria insensitive (resistant) to antibiotics.

Aim

In this study, researchers supported physicians through clinical decision rules to prescribe antibiotics only when really necessary. They also offered alternatives for appropriate care, including research into other possible causes for the patient's complaints.

Results

The results show that application of these clinical decision rules and attention to alternatives results in an effective and safe reduction in the number of antibiotic prescriptions. A second part of this project involved research into an antibacterial agent that can protect older women against the recurrence of a bladder infection. This study has been completed, but the results are not yet known.