scholarly journals Qualitative Analysis of Primary Care Provider Prescribing Decisions for Urinary Tract Infections

Antibiotics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa Grigoryan ◽  
Susan Nash ◽  
Roger Zoorob ◽  
George J. Germanos ◽  
Matthew S. Horsfield ◽  
...  

Inappropriate choices and durations of therapy for urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common and widespread problem. In this qualitative study, we sought to understand why primary care providers (PCPs) choose certain antibiotics or durations of treatment and the sources of information they rely upon to guide antibiotic-prescribing decisions. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 PCPs in two family medicine clinics focused on antibiotic-prescribing decisions for UTIs. Our interview guide focused on awareness and familiarity with guidelines (knowledge), acceptance and outcome expectancy (attitudes), and external barriers. We followed a six-phase approach to thematic analysis, finding that many PCPs believe that fluoroquinolones achieve more a rapid and effective control of UTI symptoms than trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or nitrofurantoin. Most providers were unfamiliar with fosfomycin as a possible first-line agent for the treatment of acute cystitis. PCPs may be misled by advanced patient age, diabetes, and recurrent UTIs to make inappropriate choices for the treatment of acute cystitis. For support in clinical decision making, few providers relied on guidelines, preferring instead to have decision support embedded in the electronic medical record. Knowing the PCPs’ knowledge gaps and preferred sources of information will guide the development of a primary care-specific antibiotic stewardship intervention for acute cystitis.

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S538-S538
Author(s):  
Mark Pinkerton ◽  
Jahnavi Bongu ◽  
Aimee James ◽  
Michael Durkin

Abstract Background Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) should be treated empirically with a short course of narrow-spectrum antibiotics. However, many clinicians order unnecessary tests and treat with long courses of antibiotics. The objective of this study was to understand how internists clinically approach UTIs. Methods We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews of community primary care providers (n = 15) and internal medicine residents (n = 15) in St. Louis, Missouri from 2018 to 2019 to explore why clinical practices deviate from evidence-based guidelines. Interviews were transcribed, de-identified, and coded by two independent researchers using NVivo qualitative software. A Likert scale was used to evaluate preferences for possible interventions. Results Several common themes emerged. Both providers and residents ordered urine tests to “confirm” presence of urinary tract infections. Antibiotic prescriptions were often based on historical practice and anecdotal experience. Providers were more comfortable treating over the phone than residents and tended to prescribe longer courses of antibiotics. Both providers and residents voiced frustrations with guidelines being difficult to easily incorporate due to length and extraneous information. Preferences for receiving and incorporating guidelines into practice varied. Both groups felt benchmarking would improve prescribing practices, but had reservations about implementation. Pragmatic clinical decision support tools were favored by providers, with residents preferring order sets and attendings preferring nurse triage algorithms. Conclusion Misconceptions regarding urinary tract infection management were common among residents and community primary care providers. Multifaceted interventions that include provider education, synthesis of guidelines, and pragmatic clinical decision support tools are needed to improve antibiotic prescribing and diagnostic testing; optimal interventions to improve UTI management may vary based on provider training level. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X696833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah Ffion Jones ◽  
Emily Cooper ◽  
Cliodna McNulty

BackgroundEscherichia coli bacteraemia rates are rising with highest rates in older adults. Mandatory surveillance identifies previous Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and catheterisation as risk factors.AimTo help control bacteraemias in older frail patients by developing a patient leaflet around the prevention and self-care of UTIs informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework.MethodFocus groups or interviews were held with care home staff, residents and relatives, GP staff and an out of hours service, public panels and stakeholders. Questions explored diagnosis, management, prevention of UTIs and antibiotic use in older adults. The leaflet was modified iteratively. Discussions were transcribed and analysed using Nvivo.ResultsCarers of older adults reported their important role in identifying when older adults might have a UTI, as they usually flag symptoms to nurses or primary care providers. Information on UTIs needs to be presented so residents can follow; larger text and coloured sections were suggested. Carers were optimistic that the leaflet could impact on the way UTIs are managed. Older adults and relatives liked that it provided new information to them. Staff welcomed that diagnostic guidance for UTIs was being developed in parallel; promoting consistent messages. Participants welcomed and helped to word sections on describing asymptomatic bacteriuria simply, preventing UTIs, causes of confusion and when to contact a doctor or nurseConclusionA final UTI leaflet for older adults has been developed informed by the TDF. See the TARGET website www.RCGP.org.uk/targetantibiotics/


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren McIsaac ◽  
Sahana Kukan ◽  
Ella Huszti ◽  
Leah Szadkowski ◽  
Braden O’Neill ◽  
...  

Abstract Background More than 90% of antibiotics are prescribed in primary care, but 50% may be unnecessary. Reducing unnecessary antibiotic overuse is needed to limit antimicrobial resistance. We conducted a pragmatic trial of a primary care provider-focused antimicrobial stewardship intervention to reduce antibiotic prescriptions in primary care. Methods Primary care practitioners from six primary care clinics in Toronto, Ontario were assigned to intervention or control groups to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-faceted intervention for reducing antibiotic prescriptions to adults with respiratory and urinary tract infections. The intervention included provider education, clinical decision aids, and audit and feedback of antibiotic prescribing. The primary outcome was total antibiotic prescriptions for these infections. Secondary outcomes were delayed prescriptions, prescriptions longer than 7 days, recommended antibiotic use, and outcomes for individual infections. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate treatment effects, adjusting for clustering by clinic and baseline differences. Results There were 1682 encounters involving 54 primary care providers from January until May 31, 2019. In intervention clinics, the odds of any antibiotic prescription was reduced 22% (adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.78; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.64.0.96). The odds that a delay in filling a prescription was recommended was increased (adjusted OR=2.29; 95% CI=1.37, 3.83), while prescription durations greater than 7 days were reduced (adjusted OR=0.24; 95% CI=0.13, 0.43). Recommended antibiotic use was similar in control (85.4%) and intervention clinics (91.8%, p=0.37). Conclusions A community-based, primary care provider-focused antimicrobial stewardship intervention was associated with a reduced likelihood of antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory and urinary infections, an increase in delayed prescriptions, and reduced prescription durations. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03517215).


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard V Milani ◽  
Jonathan K Wilt ◽  
Jonathan Entwisle ◽  
Jonathan Hand ◽  
Pedro Cazabon ◽  
...  

ImportanceAntibiotic resistance is a global health issue. Up to 50% of antibiotics are inappropriately prescribed, the majority of which are for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI).ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of unblinded normative comparison on rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for ARTI.DesignNon-randomised, controlled interventional trial over 1 year followed by an open intervention in the second year.SettingPrimary care providers in a large regional healthcare system.ParticipantsThe test group consisted of 30 primary care providers in one geographical region; controls consisted of 162 primary care providers located in four other geographical regions.InterventionThe intervention consisted of provider and patient education and provider feedback via biweekly, unblinded normative comparison highlighting inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for ARTI. The intervention was applied to both groups during the second year.Main outcomes and measuresRate of inappropriate antibiotic prescription for ARTI.ResultsBaseline inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for ARTI was 60%. After 1 year, the test group rate of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing decreased 40%, from 51.9% to 31.0% (p<0.0001), whereas controls decreased 7% (61.3% to 57.0%, p<0.0001). In year 2, the test group decreased an additional 47% to an overall prescribing rate of 16.3%, and the control group decreased 40% to a prescribing rate of 34.5% after implementation of the same intervention.Conclusions and relevanceProvider and patient education followed by regular feedback to provider via normative comparison to their local peers through unblinded provider reports, lead to reductions in the rate of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for ARTI and overall antibiotic prescribing rates.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Plate ◽  
Andreas Kronenberg ◽  
Martin Risch ◽  
Yolanda Mueller ◽  
Stefania Di Gangi ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S346-S347
Author(s):  
Wesley Hoffmann ◽  
Monica Donnelley ◽  
Thomas Ferguson

Abstract Background Acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) is one of the most common infections for which antimicrobials are prescribed. Despite IDSA AUC guideline recommendations, prescribing practices are varied throughout the US. Per IDSA recommendations, nitrofurantoin (NTF), fosfomycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) are all considered first line therapy for AUC, however there is concern of resistance to some of these agents. Quality improvement activity at the University of California, Davis Student Health Center (UCDSHC) has made prescribing NTF preferred for acute cystitis since 2001 as TMP/SMX has community resistance rates of ~20%. Ciprofloxacin is the second line agent at UCDSHC. Methods UCDSHC reviewed all urine cultures and susceptibilities for clinical and epidemiologic purposes. Susceptibility results were gathered from the UCDSHC microbiology laboratory from 2001–2016. Prescribing data was obtained from UCDSHC under diagnosis codes consistent with cystitis or UTI to demonstrate antibiotic prescribing trends. Susceptibilities were evaluated over the 15-year time period (2001–2016). TMP/SMX, FQ’s, and NTF were the primary agents evaluated in this study. Results From 2001–2016, 3,831 E. coli and 296 S. saprophyticus isolates were evaluated, accounting for 88% of the total number of organisms. E. coli susceptibilities to NTF remained &gt;98% from 2001–2016. E. coli susceptibilities to FQ’s trended down from 99% in 2001 to 88% in 2016. E. coli susceptibilities to TMP/SMX remained stable around 80% from 2001–2016. S. saprophyticusremained highly susceptible to NTF, FQ’s, and TMP/SMX (95%, 97%, and 100% respectively at the end of the study period). In total, 12,298 prescriptions were written from 2008–20016. Eighty percent (9,875) were NTF and 17% (2,016) were FQ’s. The remaining 1% and 2% were TMP/SMX and ‘Other’, respectively. Conclusion After changes in prescribing practice in 2001, NTF was used in 80% of cystitis cases over 15 years and retained excellent activity against common urinary pathogens. FQ’s retained acceptable activity for empiric use for urinary tract infections, but susceptibilities trended down notably despite limited FQ use. TMP/SMX did not regain increased activity over the time period. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Author(s):  
Kaitlyn L. Johnson ◽  
Lisa E. Dumkow ◽  
Lisa A. Salvati ◽  
Kristen M. Johnson ◽  
Megan A. Yee ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives: Telemedicine visits are an increasingly popular method of care for mild infectious complaints, including uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), and they are an important target for antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) to evaluate quality of prescribing. In this study, we compared antimicrobial prescribing in a primary care network for uncomplicated UTIs treated through virtual visits and at in-office visits. Design: Retrospective cohort study comparing guideline-concordant antibiotic prescribing for uncomplicated UTI between virtual visits and office visits. Setting: Primary care network composed of 44 outpatient sites and a single virtual visit platform. Patients: Adult female patients diagnosed with a UTI between January 1 and December 31, 2018. Methods: Virtual visit prescribing was compared to office visit prescribing, including agent, duration, and patient outcomes. The health system ASP provides annual education to all outpatient providers regarding local antibiogram trends and prescribing guidelines. Guideline-concordant therapy was assessed based on the network’s ASP guidelines. Results: In total, 350 patients were included, with 175 per group. Patients treated for a UTI through a virtual visit were more likely to receive a first-line antibiotic agent (74.9% vs 59.4%; P = .002) and guideline-concordant duration (100% vs 53.1%; P < .001). Patients treated through virtual visits were also less likely to have a urinalysis (0% vs 97.1%; P < .001) or urine culture (0% vs 73.1%; P < .001) ordered and were less likely to revisit within 7 days (5.1% vs 18.9%; P < .001). Conclusions: UTI care through a virtual visit was associated with more appropriate antimicrobial prescribing compared to office visits and decreased utilization of diagnostic and follow-up resources.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S75-S76
Author(s):  
Kaitlyn Johnson ◽  
Lisa E Dumkow ◽  
Lisa Salvati ◽  
Kristen Johnson ◽  
Megan Yee ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infectious indications for antibiotic prescribing in the outpatient setting. With the exponential growth of virtual visits over the past decade, virtual visits represent an important ambulatory care target for antimicrobial stewardship programs outside of traditional office visits. This study aimed to compare the appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy between virtual visits and office visits for adult females diagnosed with uncomplicated UTIs within a primary care network. Methods This retrospective cohort study evaluated adult female patients diagnosed with a UTI within a primary care network comprised of 44 outpatient sites. The primary objective was to compare guideline-concordant antibiotic prescribing between virtual visits and office visits. Guideline-concordance was determined based on local antibiogram-based treatment recommendations. Secondary objectives included comparing appropriate treatment duration and use of diagnostic testing resources between groups. Additionally, patient outcomes were compared between groups including 48-hour, 7-day, and 30-day re-visits, or development of Clostridioides difficile infection within 30 days. Results A total of 350 patients were included in this study, with 175 patients in each group. Patients treated for a UTI via a virtual visit were more likely to be prescribed a first-line antibiotic (74.9% vs 59.4%; P = 0.002). Additionally, virtual visits were more likely to prescribe an appropriate duration (100% vs 53.1%; P= &lt; 0.0001). Patients treated via office visits were more likely to have a urinalysis (0% vs 97.1%; P &lt; 0.001) and urine culture (0% vs 73.1%; P &lt; 0.0001) ordered. There was no difference between groups in 48-hour or 30-day revisits, however, patients completing office visits were more likely to have a revisit within 7 days (18.9% vs 5.1%; P &lt; 0.0001). In multivariate logistic regression, UTI care via office visit was the only independent risk factor for 7-day revisit (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.31 -10.67). Conclusion In adult female patients presenting with uncomplicated UTIs, care at a virtual visit was associated with significantly improved antimicrobial prescribing compared to office visits and decreased utilization of diagnostic and follow-up resources. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s453-s454
Author(s):  
Hasti Mazdeyasna ◽  
Shaina Bernard ◽  
Le Kang ◽  
Emily Godbout ◽  
Kimberly Lee ◽  
...  

Background: Data regarding outpatient antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections (UTIs) are limited, and they have never been formally summarized in Virginia. Objective: We describe outpatient antibiotic prescribing trends for UTIs based on gender, age, geographic region, insurance payer and International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes in Virginia. Methods: We used the Virginia All-Payer Claims Database (APCD), administered by Virginia Health Information (VHI), which holds data for Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. The study cohort included Virginia residents who had a primary diagnosis of UTI, had an antibiotic claim 0–3 days after the date of the diagnosis and who were seen in an outpatient facility in Virginia between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016. A diagnosis of UTI was categorized as cystitis, urethritis or pyelonephritis and was defined using the following ICD-10 codes: N30.0, N30.00, N30.01, N30.9, N30.90, N30.91, N39.0, N34.1, N34.2, and N10. The following antibiotics were prescribed: aminoglycosides, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (TMP-SMX), cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, penicillins, tetracyclines, or nitrofurantoin. Patients were categorized based on gender, age, location, insurance payer and UTI type. We used χ2 and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel testing. Analyses were performed in SAS version 9.4 software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Results: In total, 15,580 patients were included in this study. Prescriptions for antibiotics by drug class differed significantly by gender (P < .0001), age (P < .0001), geographic region (P < .0001), insurance payer (P < .0001), and UTI type (P < .0001). Cephalosporins were prescribed more often to women (32.48%, 4,173 of 12,846) than to men (26.26%, 718 of 2,734), and fluoroquinolones were prescribed more often to men (53.88%, 1,473 of 2,734) than to women (47.91%, 6,155 of 12,846). Although cephalosporins were prescribed most frequently (42.58%, 557 of 1,308) in northern Virginia, fluoroquinolones were prescribed the most in eastern Virginia (50.76%, 1677 of 3,304). Patients with commercial health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare were prescribed fluoroquinolones (39.31%, 1,149 of 2,923), cephalosporins (56.33%, 1,326 of 2,354), and fluoroquinolones (57.36%, 5,910 of 10,303) most frequently, respectively. Conclusions: Antibiotic prescribing trends for UTIs varied by gender, age, geographic region, payer status and UTI type in the state of Virginia. These data will inform future statewide antimicrobial stewardship efforts.Funding: NoneDisclosures: Michelle Doll reports a research grant from Molnlycke Healthcare.


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