Eliciting Clinician Perspectives on Asymptomatic Bacteriuria to Identify Targets for Antimicrobial Stewardship Education and Decision Support

Abstract

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to elicit clinicians’ perspectives to help reduce antibiotic prescribing for asymptomatic bacteriuria and improve a patient-centered educational brochure for older adults with urinary tract infections or asymptomatic bacteriuria. Methods Between October 2023 and April 2024, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews of clinicians who treat patients aged ≥65 years for urinary tract infections or bacteria in the urine, at infectious disease clinics, community senior living facilities, memory care clinics, and general practice. We developed an interview guide based on a behavior change framework and thematically analyzed written transcripts of audio-recorded interviews using inductive and deductive coding techniques. Results We identified several common themes surrounding management of asymptomatic bacteriuria from clinicians. These included an emphasis on ordering and interpreting urine tests, tension between guidelines and individual patient care for older adults, use of epidemiologic data to influence prescribing practices, pre-prepared communication talking points, and interest in educational materials for patients and clinical teams. Conclusions Education about the need for symptoms to supplement urine testing, data about the impact of overuse of antibiotics, and oral and written communication strategies should be addressed to reduce antibiotic prescribing for asymptomatic bacteriuria.