Presentation, Treatment, and Natural Course of Severe Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections Measured by a Smartphone App: Observational and Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common conditions in women. Current information on the presentation, management, and natural course of the infection is based on paper diaries filled out and subsequently posted by patients.

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility of a smartphone app to assess the natural course and management of UTIs.

Methods: A smartphone app was developed to collect data from study participants presenting with symptoms of UTI in general practice. After initial demographic and treatment information, symptom severity was recorded by the patient after a reminder on their smartphone, which occurred twice daily for a period of 7 days or until symptom resolution.

Results: A total of 181 women aged 18-76 years downloaded the smartphone app. The duration of symptoms was determined from the results of 178 participants. All patients submitted a urine sample, most patients were prescribed an antibiotic (163/181, 90.1%), and 38.7% (70/181) of the patients had a positive culture. Moderately bad or worse symptoms lasted a mean of 3.8 (SD 3.2; median 4) days, and 70.2% (125/178) of the patients indicated that they were cured on day 4 after consultation. This compares with other research assessing symptom duration and management of UTIs using paper diaries. Patients were very positive about the usability of the smartphone app and often found the reminders supportive. On the basis of the feedback and the analysis of the data, some suggestions for improvement were made.

Conclusions: Smartphone diaries for symptom scores over the course of infections are an efficient and acceptable means of collecting data in research.

Keywords: general practice; mobile phone; smartphone application; urinary tract infections.