BLADDER score: evaluating a tool to support urinary diagnostic and antibiotic stewardship in hospitalized adults

A study in Ontario, Canada, evaluated the impact of a scoring tool called the BLADDER score on urine culturing and antibiotic prescribing for adults with presumed urinary tract infections (UTI). The intervention, a multifaceted approach, reduced urine culturing and antibiotic use, but did not change patient LOS, acute care transfers, or mortality. The study suggests that the BLADDER score could be a safe and effective tool for improving diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship, reducing unnecessary treatment for asymptomatic bacteriuria.