Digital health technologies for the prevention and management of urinary tract infections in menopausal women: A systematic review.
E Cappelli, M A Cappelli, F Cappelli et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review synthesised evidence on digital technologies for preventing or managing urinary tract infections in menopausal women. Searches of four databases identified 14 eligible studies; evidence certainty ranged from very low to moderate. Across varied tools, digital interventions reduced inappropriate antibiotic prescribing by up to 60% and ciprofloxacin use by 80.5%. Predictive models showed discrimination values of 0.57–0.96 but lacked prospective validation. One randomised controlled trial found increased uptake of vaginal oestrogen therapy with digital support. The review found that existing technologies rarely incorporated menopause-specific biological factors.
Key findings
- Digital tools reduced inappropriate antibiotic prescribing by up to 60% and ciprofloxacin use by 80.5%.
- Predictive models achieved discrimination values of 0.57-0.96, but none had prospective validation.
- One randomised controlled trial found increased uptake of vaginal oestrogen therapy with digital support.
- No study used formal reproductive-aging staging or integrated hormonal variables; time to diagnosis and treatment was not assessed.
Why it matters
Digital approaches may support antimicrobial stewardship and non-antibiotic prevention in a population with increased UTI susceptibility after menopause. However, the evidence base is limited and technologies have not adequately accounted for menopause-specific biology. These gaps matter when interpreting model performance and considering whether digital tools can support care tailored to menopausal status.
What to keep in mind
Evidence certainty ranged from very low to moderate. Predictive models lacked prospective validation, and studies did not assess time to diagnosis or treatment or incorporate formal menopause staging and hormonal variables.