Guidelines adherence to lower urinary tract infection treatment in out-of-hours primary care in European countries.

Abstract

Background: The substantial prevalence of bacterial lower urinary tract infections (LUTIs) in out-of-hours (OOH) primary care is a reason for frequent prescription of antibiotics. Insight in guideline adherence in OOH primary care concerning treatment of LUTIs is lacking.

Aims: To check feasibility of the use of OOH routine data to assess guideline adherence for the treatment of LUTI in OOH primary care, in different regions of Europe.

Methods: We compared guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated LUTIs in nine European countries, followed by an observational study on available data of guideline adherence. In each region a convenience sample of registration data of at least 100 contacts per OOH primary care setting was collected. Data on adherence (% of contacts) was identified for type of antibiotic and for full treatment adherence (i.e. recommended type and dose and duration).

Results: Six countries were able to provide data on treatment of LUTIs. Four of them succeeded to collect data on type, dosage and duration of treatment. Mostly, trimethoprim was the treatment of first choice, sometimes combined with sulfamethoxazol or sulfamethizol. Adherence with the type of antibiotics varied from 25% to 100%. Denmark achieved a full treatment adherence of 40.0%, the Netherlands 72.7%, Norway 38.3%, and Slovenia 22.2%.

Conclusion: Guidelines content is similar to a large extent in the participating countries. The use of OOH routine data for analysis of guideline adherence in OOH primary care seems feasible, although some challenges remain. Adherence regarding treatment varies and suggests room for improvement in most countries.