Cranberry Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cranberry, including details on benefits, antioxidants, utis, cystitis.

An interactive computer kiosk module for the treatment of recurrent uncomplicated cystitis in women.

Aagaard EM, Nadler P, Adler J, Maselli J, Gonzales R

Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. Eva.Aagaard@ucsf.edu

OBJECTIVE: To validate and implement a computer module for the management of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI). PARTICIPANTS: Women age 18 to 64 years, with a previous UTI, voiding symptoms, and absence of complicating features (comorbidities, vaginal discharge, back pain, emesis, and fever/chills). MEASUREMENTS: The computer module was validated against clinician diagnosis and urine culture. Following validation, the module was implemented in the urgent care clinic as a management option for women with suspected UTI; computer-directed therapy (CDT)-eligible women received antibiotic treatment without a clinician examination. Patient satisfaction with the module and return visits for UTI-related complaints were assessed. RESULTS: In the validation study, 18 of 68 women (26%) were CDT-eligible. Clinicians diagnosed 17/18 CDT-eligible women with uncomplicated UTI. Sixty-seven percent of CDT-eligible women had a positive urine culture. Since implementation, 162 women have accessed the module, and 35% have received CDT. Ninety-eight percent (95% confidence interval: 95% to 100%) found the program easy to use and 95% (89% to 100%) would recommend it to friends/family. Two (4%) CDT-treated women had a return visit to our institution for a UTI-related illness within 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: A computer module accurately identifies women with culture-confirmed, uncomplicated UTIs. Patients are highly satisfied with the module.

Published 9 October 2006 in J Gen Intern Med, 21(11): 1156-9.
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