Bacteriuria in Older Adults Triggers Confusion in Healthcare Providers: A Mindful Pause To Treat the Worry

Authors

Eva M Amenta
Robin L P Jump
Barbara W Trautner

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Journal

Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology

DOI

10.1017/ash.2022.343

PMID

36714291

PMCID

PMC9879885

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

1-9-2023

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Abstract

The evidence base for refraining from screening for or treating asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in older adults is strong, but both practices remain prevalent. Clinical confusion over how to respond to a change from baseline, when to order a urinalysis and urine culture, and what to do with a positive urine culture fuels unnecessary antibiotic use for ASB. If the provider can take a mindful pause to apply evidenced-based assessment tools, the resulting increased clarity in how to manage the situation can reduce overtreatment of ASB.