Acute cystitis in women: experience with a telephone-based algorithm.
OBJECTIVE
This paper evaluates short-term (60-day) outcomes for women with symptoms of acute cystitis evaluated and treated with a telephone-based protocol.


METHODS
We used a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients evaluated and treated according to a guideline-based algorithm for symptoms of acute cystitis.


RESULTS
The algorithm was utilized in the care of 273 women reporting symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI), with 75.4% being treated without urinalysis or cultures. Over the next 60 days, 46 (16.8%) were seen or made phone contact for recurrent or persistent urinary tract symptoms, with 6 patients (2.2%) diagnosed with pyelonephritis. No other adverse events were identified in the 60 days after use of the protocol.


CONCLUSIONS
A telephone-based nurse evaluation and treatment algorithm can allow for successful management of the majority of women identifying symptoms of uncomplicated lower UTIs.
Schauberger
Charles W
CW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse, WI, USA. cwschaub@gundluth.org
Merkitch
Ken W
KW
Prell
Ann M
AM
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D003556:Cystitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012008:Recurrence; D019114:Remote Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013689:Telephone; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014922:Wisconsin