Cluster RCT | Effect of an antibiotic stewardship intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing for suspected UTI in older adults

Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of a multifaceted antibiotic stewardship intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing for suspected urinary tract infections (UTI) in frail older adults. The study was a pragmatic, parallel, cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in four European countries and included 1041 frail older adults aged 70 or older. The intervention involved a decision tool for appropriate antibiotic use, supported by a toolbox with educational materials. The control group provided care as usual. The primary outcome was the number of antibiotic prescriptions for suspected UTI per person year, and secondary outcomes included incidence of complications, hospital referrals, admissions, and mortality. The results showed that the intervention group had a lower rate of receiving an antibiotic prescription for a suspected UTI (0.27 per person year) compared to the control group (0.58 per person year), with no increase in complications or adverse events.

Article: Effect of a multifaceted antibiotic stewardship intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing for suspected urinary tract infections in frail older adults (ImpresU): pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial in four European countries – The BMJ

Commentary: Trial: Stewardship intervention cuts antibiotic prescribing for suspected urinary infections – CIDRAP

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