Reducing unnecessary antibiotic use for urinary tract infections

Diagnostic Stewardship as a 'nudge' to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use for urinary tract infections

NIH-funded research Baltimore VA Medical Center · NIH-11194229

This study is looking at ways to better diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) so that people don’t get prescribed antibiotics they don’t need, helping to keep antibiotics effective for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaltimore VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11194229 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to improve the diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) to prevent unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. It focuses on a method called diagnostic stewardship, which aims to refine the processes involved in ordering and interpreting urine cultures. By doing so, the research seeks to reduce the overdiagnosis of UTIs and the subsequent overuse of antibiotics, which contributes to antibiotic resistance. The study will involve collaboration with healthcare experts and clinicians to develop effective implementation strategies and assess the real-world impact of these methods on patient care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients experiencing symptoms of urinary tract infections who may be at risk of receiving unnecessary antibiotic treatments.

Not a fit: Patients who have already been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and are receiving appropriate antibiotic treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a significant reduction in inappropriate antibiotic use, thereby decreasing the risk of antibiotic resistance and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary work has shown success in reducing unnecessary urine cultures and antibiotic use through similar diagnostic stewardship approaches.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.