As part of the IMAGINE Project’s commitment to reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and enhancing infection control practices in nursing homes, we are thrilled to share the positive feedback from healthcare professionals (HCPs) who participated in the recent intervention workshops in Lithuania on October 10th-11th. These sessions were designed to equip HCPs with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, particularly in addressing common infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Participant Testimonials
Rita Balandienė, general practice nurse at the Svėdasai branch of Anykščiai social care home
“I’m very happy, participating for 2 years, and the meeting was highly anticipated. It was nice to see the participants and the project leaders again, and the topics discussed are very relevant. After each topic, we immediately find in our minds what we can change or improve in our institution, and the information is just very interesting and necessary for us. Thank you very much.”
Silvija Gružauskiene, Director of Kaunas Panemune social care home
“It is very nice to participate in a project aimed at social care institutions. In fact, this is the first exceptional case where we are talking about healthcare issues and topics. Infection control is very relevant because most of our problems accumulate around social issues, and this project has shown the opportunity to participate specifically in solving healthcare problems.”
Jolita Gečienė PhD, Director of Anykščiai social care home
“Well, the impressions are really great because it makes sense, and there is this expectation to ensure the health of our people in the institution as much as possible, so this project aligns with those goals. Reducing antibiotics helps prevent certain diseases, and strong hygiene equally prevents many other illnesses. Since the health of the residents in nursing homes is very important to us, this project provides exactly that—strengthening the health of the residents.”
Diana Kleštornė, Head of personal health care service, Public Institution Queen of Peace nursing home
“Everything is in order, so I’d really like to share an experience we noticed while participating in the material process of this project and completing the self-assessment surveys. Our staff observed that we weren’t always using aprons. When performing personal hygiene for our residents, we didn’t use them every time. They were used only, let’s say, in cases like bathing or when doing certain dirty procedures. The staff started asking, ‘Why don’t we do it as planned?’ As asked in the questionnaire—when changing diapers, catheters, and in other situations. So we sat down, discussed it, and decided that we should start doing it every time. Now, coming into the review meeting, having had about half a year of perspective doing this, we’ve noticed something really interesting. Today, we have practically reduced urinary tract infections by 50%, about half. We did a mini-analysis, reviewing all of our health records before the meeting and looking at how many urinary tract infections we had last year. They were recorded in health care histories, and now we were pleasantly surprised to find that the simple measure of using disposable aprons gave us these kinds of results. It was a very pleasant surprise, a great reflection on our work, and we are very, very happy about it.”
Context of the Workshops
The two-day intervention in Lithuania brought together HCPs from at least ten nursing homes to participate in a structured and interactive workshop. This initiative aimed to foster an environment of collaboration and learning, where participants could reflect on current practices and explore strategies for improvement. The focus was on discussing the results of the first audit, which was conducted as part of the IMAGINE Project’s comprehensive before-and-after study.
During these sessions, HCPs:
- Reviewed Audit Findings: Assessed current infection control measures and antibiotic prescribing trends. This feedback provided insights into existing practices and helped pinpoint areas for targeted improvements.
- Set Actionable Goals: Based on the audit data, expert recommendations, and the latest EU AMR Guidelines, aimed at enhancing IPC protocols and optimizing antibiotic use.
- Engaged in Expert-Led Training: On best practices for diagnosing and managing UTIs, as well as implementing effective infection prevention techniques.
- Accessed Educational Resources: On IPC and AMS, which were shared not only with HCPs but also with residents and their families, to promote a broader understanding of infection prevention within the nursing home community.
Why Lithuania’s Nursing Homes Matter in the Fight Against AMR
Nursing homes play a critical role in the health and well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of society. Residents in these facilities often face a heightened risk of infections, and the misuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of AMR, posing significant health risks. By focusing on IPC and AMS, the IMAGINE Project aims to implement lasting changes in the management of infections, not only reducing the burden of AMR but also improving the quality of care for nursing home residents.