425 Establishing a Nurse Led Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection Clinic: Early Outcomes and Analysis

Aim The management of recurrent urinary tract Infections (rUTIs) places a significant burden on urological services across the country. Recognising this, we set out to establish a protocol driven nurse led service for female patients. Method In early 2022, we introduced a rUTI algorithm, detailing the protocol for women seen in SASH clinics with rUTIs. From November 2022, after a period of shadowing, a fortnightly clinic was implemented with five new patients (face to face) and five follow up. The clinic is run by the Band 8 specialist nurse who is qualified to prescribe. They are supported by a urology consultant who was available for any questions. In the early months, all patients were discussed prior to clinic. Results Since commencing the clinic, 70 new patients have been seen. All patients underwent imaging of their urinary tract. Flexible cystoscopies were arranged for 26 patients with risk factors. 12 were discharged, 16 placed on patient initiated follow up (PIFU), and 11 subsequently moved into a consultant clinic. The average number of appointments prior to discharge was 2. No patients have returned after PIFU. 3 patients are on their fourth appointment. Conclusions The development of a nurse led service has reduced demand on general urology clinics and standardised our pathway. With appropriate support and triaging of referrals, a nurse led recurrent UTI clinic offers patients continuity of care and allows directing of resources elsewhere. Our service continues to evolve, and we hope to work with local GPs to increase awareness of our algorithm.