Effectiveness and safety of telemedical management in uncomplicated urinary tract infections

J Telemed Telecare. 2011;17(2):78-82. doi: 10.1258/jtt.2010.100406. Epub 2010 Nov 19.

Abstract

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UUTI) in women are frequent reasons for consultations in general practice. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of telemedical management at a telemedicine centre in Switzerland. Management followed evidence-based protocols, including teleprescription of an antibiotic. Consecutive UUTI patients who had a teleconsultation including the prescription of an antibiotic were followed up three days later about symptom relief, adverse events or the need to visit a doctor. Of a total of 526 eligible women, follow-up information was available for 95%. Three days after teleconsultation, 79% of patients reported complete symptom relief, and 92% reported a reduction of UUTI symptoms. Five percent of patients reported deterioration, e.g. due to an increase of pain, flank pain or fever. Four percent reported side-effects of the prescribed antibiotics. In the three days following teleconsultation, 4% of women consulted another health-care provider without further contacting the telemedicine centre. Another 8% of patients were referred to face-to-face consultation because they developed additional symptoms or because bacterial resistance of the prescribed antibiotic was suspected. Compared to data from the literature on UUTI, evidence-based telemedical management including teleprescription of an antibiotic is as safe and effective as prescriptions initiated by a face-to-face consultation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary / therapeutic use
  • Electronic Prescribing*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Remote Consultation / organization & administration
  • Remote Consultation / standards*
  • Switzerland
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnosis
  • Urinary Tract Infections / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary