RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

DIagnoSing Care hOme UTI Study

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in care homes, but difficult to diagnose accurately. Not treating serious infections can be dangerous, but unnecessary antibiotics can cause side effects and drug resistance. This study, called 'DIagnoSing Care hOme UTI Study', explores new methods for better UTI diagnosis. We're investigating if certain symptoms are more reliable, looking for new infection markers in urine, and testing rapid bedside checks. We'll follow 100 residents for six months, collecting information and urine samples, especially during suspected UTIs. Our findings will help develop a larger study to improve care for residents.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Southampton

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2025

Urinary Tract Infections

What is this study about?

Many people living in care homes can get urinary tract infections (UTIs), but it’s often really tricky to figure out if they actually have one. Sometimes, UTIs don't show typical symptoms in older people, or they might just cause confusion, which has many other causes. It can also be hard for residents with memory problems to explain how they feel or give a urine sample. Plus, many healthy care home residents have harmless bacteria in their urine that doesn't need treatment, and current urine tests aren’t always quick or accurate.

This study, called DIagnoSing Care hOme UTI, is trying to find better ways to tell if someone in a care home truly has a UTI. We'll be looking at whether certain symptoms are better clues, searching for new signs of infection in urine, and testing quicker, easier urine tests that can be done at the bedside. Our goal is to make sure people get the right treatment when they need it, and avoid unnecessary antibiotics when they don't.

We plan to involve 100 care home residents and follow their health for six months. We'll gather information and urine samples at the start, and collect more details if any participant seems to develop a UTI. A smaller group will also give weekly urine samples for a month to see how things change over time. The information we learn will be used to plan a larger study focused on improving how UTIs are diagnosed in care homes.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve UTI diagnosis in care home residents.
It will look at symptoms, new urine tests, and quick bedside checks.
Participation involves sharing health information and urine samples.
The study lasts for six months.
No new medications are involved; usual care continues.
Findings will help plan future, larger studies to benefit others.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be aged 65 or over and live permanently in a care home (this includes nursing, residential, or mixed-care homes). You also need to be willing and able to give your informed consent to take part. If you have difficulty making decisions, a family member or close friend can help by completing a 'consultee declaration' to agree on your behalf.

There are some reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you've had a suspected UTI in the last four weeks, or if you're only staying in the care home temporarily. We also can't include people with certain health conditions that affect their immune system, like those on strong treatments for cancer, or if you have an indwelling urinary catheter, which is a tube that drains urine.

We also need to be able to collect a clean urine sample, so if that's not possible, you might not be able to join. If you have a serious illness that limits your life expectancy, or certain kidney problems, you might not be eligible. The care home staff will help decide if the study is suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 65 years old or older?
Do you live permanently in a care home?
Can you, or your representative, agree to take part?
Have you NOT had a suspected UTI in the last 4 weeks?
Do you NOT have a permanent urinary catheter?
Is it possible to collect a urine sample from you?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your participation will last for about six months. You will be asked to provide some basic information about your health and medical history, and give a urine sample at the beginning of the study. If you are one of 25 residents chosen for extra sampling, you will also be asked to provide weekly urine samples for four weeks.

Throughout the six months, care home staff will keep an eye on your health. If you develop symptoms that suggest a possible UTI, the research team will be informed. At this point, we will ask for additional information and another urine sample. We will also record any treatments you receive for the suspected infection. There are no study medications involved; you will receive care as normal from your doctors and care home staff. A small group of participants, their families, and staff will also be invited for an interview at the end to share their thoughts on the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit your health, but the information we gather will be very valuable in improving how UTIs are diagnosed and treated for other care home residents in the future. The main 'risk' is the small inconvenience of providing extra information and urine samples. This could include a slight discomfort if a urine sample is difficult to collect. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

Solent NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Southampton, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a UTI?

A UTI, or Urinary Tract Infection, is a common infection that can affect any part of your urinary system, including your bladder or kidneys.

Why is it hard to diagnose UTIs in care home residents?

It's hard because older people may not show typical symptoms, sometimes just confusion. Also, many healthy residents have harmless bacteria in their urine, and current tests aren't always quick or accurate.

Will I get special treatment in this study?

No, you will continue to receive your usual medical care and treatment from your own doctors and care home staff, just as you would normally.

What happens to my information and samples?

Your information and urine samples will be used by the research team to understand more about UTIs in care homes, always keeping your privacy protected.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you are completely free to leave the study at any point, and choosing to do so will not affect your care in any way.

How to find out more

Abigail Moore

abigail.moore@phc.ox.ac.uk 00441865289300 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.