The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Watch the video to see Chris and Mandy discuss the importance of accurate diagnosis and the selection of the most appropriate antibiotics.
The term Urinary Tract Infection covers a whole range of conditions from uncomplicated cystitis through to pyelonephritis and it is vital to choose the right antibiotic for the presenting condition or in the case of uncomplicated UTI, to treat the symptoms without the need for an antibiotic prescription.
When considering the correct antibiotic there is concern over the widespread use of trimethoprim due to the high resistance rates compared the relatively low resistance rates seen with nitrofurantoin.
Welsh resistance rates (.html) from 2014 to 2016 and the Scottish antimicrobial resistance data (.xlsx) from 2012 to 2015 show resistance in urinary tract infections to many of the commonly used antibiotics.
A very useful document is the Quick Reference Tool on the Diagnosis of UTI developed by Public Health England.
TARGET Antibiotics – Prescribing in Primary Care
TARGET Antibiotics – Prescribing in Primary Care
Reach your personal and professional goals
Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.
Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.
