As part of the IMAGINE Project’s ongoing efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improve infection control practices in nursing homes, Denmark will host intervention workshops from November 13 to 14. These sessions will bring together healthcare professionals from nursing facilities across the country to advance infection management and antibiotic stewardship.
Workshop goals and focus areas
The intervention workshops are designed to provide healthcare professionals with essential tools to improve infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, particularly targeting common infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs). These interactive, hands-on sessions will enable participants to examine current practices, share insights, and explore innovative strategies for better infection management.
Key workshop activities include:
– Audit analysis: Participants will assess results from recent audits conducted by the IMAGINE Project, identifying trends in antibiotic prescribing and infection control practices to pinpoint areas for improvement.
– Goal setting: Using data from these audits, expert recommendations, and updated European AMR guidelines, participants will establish actionable objectives to optimize IPC protocols and responsible antibiotic use.
– Expert-led training: Attendees will receive training on best practices for diagnosing and managing UTIs, as well as effective techniques for infection prevention and control.
– Educational resources: Healthcare professionals will gain access to materials on IPC and antibiotic stewardship, designed to help them educate colleagues, residents, and family members, fostering greater awareness of infection prevention within the nursing home community.
Implementing the APO Method
The IMAGINE Project utilizes the Audit Project Odense (APO) method, a structured framework for systematically assessing and enhancing nursing home practices. The APO method includes an initial three-month audit phase where healthcare staff actively monitor and document data on UTIs and IPC measures. This data-driven approach informs subsequent targeted interventions, allowing facilities to make meaningful improvements in infection control.
The vital role of nursing homes in combating AMR
With vulnerable populations at higher risk of infections, nursing homes play a critical role in combating AMR. Improper antibiotic use in these settings can exacerbate AMR risks, presenting significant health threats. Through the IMAGINE Project’s IPC and AMS workshops, Danish nursing homes aim to establish lasting improvements in infection management, benefiting residents and strengthening the broader healthcare system.