- About 50% of antibiotics prescribed for urinary tract infections in nursing homes are unnecessary
- The “FACTS on Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance in Nursing Homes: True or False” campaign aims to debunk myths and misconceptions about antimicrobial resistance in nursing homes
- Proper hygiene practices are critical to stopping the spread of infections in vulnerable populations such as elderly residents, who are often frail and suffer from multiple health conditions
Nursing homes are a major concern across Europe due to the widespread overuse of antibiotics, particularly in suspected urinary tract infections, which are common among residents.
The IMAGINE project’s initial audit, which involved 110 nursing homes across Europe, revealed that approximately 50% of antibiotics prescribed were unnecessary, according to the latest evidence on antibiotic use.
During this first phase, the IMAGINE project gathered data on antibiotic use and hygiene practices from nursing homes in Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Denmark. The findings indicate that better practices and prescribing criteria could significantly reduce the number of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, currently estimated to range between 30% to 80% of total antibiotic use.
Building on this data, the IMAGINE project is working with healthcare staff in nursing homes to develop a comprehensive intervention aimed at improving antibiotic prescribing practices. Following the implementation of these strategies, a second data collection will be conducted in 2025 to assess the impact of these changes compared to the initial findings.
By tailoring interventions to the complex environment of nursing homes, the IMAGINE project aims not only to curb the rise of antimicrobial resistance but also to reduce adverse drug reactions in elderly patients—who are particularly susceptible to medication-related complications—and to lower unnecessary healthcare costs in line with the latest medical evidence.
A Europe-Wide Campaign
In line with European Antibiotic Awareness Day, the IMAGINE project is launching the campaign “FACTS on Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance in Nursing Homes: True or False,” designed to dispel common myths about antimicrobial resistance in nursing homes. Running from November 18 to 24, the campaign aims to educate healthcare professionals and the general public about the importance of responsible antibiotic use and best practices for infection prevention.
The campaign will present a series of statements related to both the IMAGINE project and antimicrobial resistance in general, with each statement being labeled as either “true” or “false” based on the latest evidence. Topics will include the impact of antimicrobial resistance on healthcare costs and hospitalizations, as well as the best strategies for preventing and diagnosing urinary tract infections.
Additionally, the campaign will emphasize the crucial role of hygiene and infection prevention, challenging the misconception that such measures have a limited impact on the spread of infections. Key practices such as proper hand hygiene, the appropriate use of protective equipment, and adequate anogenital hygiene will be highlighted as essential actions for reducing infection rates, particularly urinary tract infections, in nursing homes.
The ultimate goal of the campaign is to provide clear and accessible information that raises awareness about the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance and its critical impact on nursing home residents.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Nursing Homes
The campaign also aims to highlight the unique challenges faced by nursing homes, where residents are especially vulnerable due to the high prevalence of comorbidities and general frailty. These factors, combined with weakened immune systems, increase the risk of infections and, consequently, the need for antibiotics, further driving the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections. This scenario only worsens the clinical outcomes for an already fragile population. In response to this, the European Union has supported the IMAGINE project under the EU4Health Programme.
Antimicrobial resistance is a global issue that affects both developed and developing countries, and it does not discriminate based on individual antibiotic use. It is a public health challenge worldwide, which is why the European Union marks European Antibiotic Awareness Day every November 18th.
By 2024, antimicrobial resistance is already responsible for over 35,000 deaths each year in the European Union. Since 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 global public health threats. Despite ongoing efforts, recent data shows a worrying increase in infections and deaths caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. If this trend continues, antimicrobial resistance could lead to 10 million deaths globally each year.