Creation and implementation of a urinary tract infection diagnostic and treatment algorithm for psychiatric inpatients with a communication barrier

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is considered a common cause of mental status changes, particularly in elderly patients and patients with a psychiatric condition. Genitourinary symptoms are essential to confirm UTI diagnosis but may be unobtainable in patients with a communication barrier. Sparse guidance suggests assessing specific symptoms that do not rely on patient report. The primary objective of this project was to provide assistance in diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in noncommunicative patients through the creation of an algorithm. ALGORITHM CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION: Through extensive interdisciplinary collaboration, the authors developed criteria to identify UTI symptoms that do not require communication. In order to make the algorithm comprehensive, we chose to include general information related to UTI diagnosis and treatment. The algorithm was implemented within the psychiatric emergency department as this is where patients are evaluated to determine need for psychiatric admission. Providers in the psychiatric emergency department were provided with detailed education on the algorithm as well as information about UTI diagnosis and treatment. DISCUSSION: Creating an algorithm within our institution required significant interdisciplinary collaboration. Providers were receptive to and appreciative of a comprehensive resource to assist in this difficult clinical situation. The authors plan to study the effects of algorithm implementation, specifically assessing changes in symptom documentation and antibiotic use.