As part of the IMAGINE Project’s commitment to combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and enhancing infection control practices in nursing homes, two key intervention workshops will be held in Spain. These sessions are scheduled for November 5th in Lleida and November 13th in Barcelona, targeting healthcare professionals (HCPs) from various nursing homes across the country.
The workshops aim to equip these professionals with critical skills to improve infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, focusing specifically on managing common infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Workshop Overview and Objectives
The intervention programs in Lleida and Barcelona will bring together HCPs to participate in structured and interactive workshops. This experience will allow participants to reflect on their current practices and explore effective strategies for improvement. Key discussions will focus on findings from previous audits conducted as part of the IMAGINE Project’s before-and-after study, offering insights into existing infection control measures and antibiotic prescribing practices in nursing homes.
During these sessions, HCPs will:
Analyze audit findings: participants will review previous audit results to assess current infection control measures and antibiotic prescribing trends, identifying specific areas for improvement.
Set actionable goals: based on audit data, expert recommendations, and the latest EU AMR guidelines, attendees will establish clear objectives to enhance IPC protocols and optimize antibiotic use.
Participate in expert-led training: healthcare professionals will engage in training on best practices for diagnosing and managing UTIs, as well as implementing effective infection prevention techniques.
Access educational resources: educational materials on IPC and antibiotic stewardship will be provided, which can be shared with both HCPs and residents’ families to foster a broader understanding of infection prevention within the nursing home community.
The Audit Project Odense Method: an effective approach
The IMAGINE Project employs the Audit Project Odense (APO) method, a structured approach that enables nursing homes to systematically assess and improve their practices. This includes an initial three-month audit phase, where HCPs actively monitor and document data on UTIs and IPC measures within their facilities, creating a comprehensive, data-driven evaluation that supports subsequent interventions.
Why nursing homes are essential in the fight against AMR
Nursing homes house some of the most vulnerable members of society, who face increased risks of infections. Improper antibiotic use in these settings can lead to AMR, posing significant health risks. Through IPC and AMS workshops, the IMAGINE Project aims to instill lasting improvements in infection management, ultimately benefiting both residents and the healthcare system.
Following the Spanish workshops, IMAGINE Project interventions will continue in other European countries, including Slovakia, Slovenia, and Denmark.