Patterns of Urine Testing and Antibiotic Use for Atypical UTI Symptoms in Cognitively Impaired Long-Term Care Residents: A Retrospective Study of Diagnostic Criteria Adherence

Patients with impaired communication are less likely to meet established UTI diagnostic criteria despite similar urine test positivity, indicating possible overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Further research is needed to develop and implement a modified diagnostic algorithm tailored to the unique clinical presentation of LTC residents with impaired communication. High antibiotic prescription rates emphasize the need to reduce unnecessary tests to minimize inappropriate antibiotic use.