The IMAGINE Project is excited to bring its next intervention to Hungary on October 15th as part of our ongoing commitment to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and enhance infection prevention practices in nursing homes. This one-day workshop will bring together healthcare professionals (HCPs) from 18 nursing homes across Hungary to focus on practical strategies for improving infection prevention and control (IPC) and optimizing antibiotic use, particularly in managing common infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs). These will be the third intervention workshops of Imagine Project.
The intervention scheduled in Hungary is coordinated by Szeged Autumn Nursing Home, focusing on enhancing infection management protocols and educating staff on best practices in long-term care facilities.
Workshop goals and focus
This targeted one-day session will build on the groundwork laid by the initial audit conducted earlier in the year as part of the IMAGINE strategy. The audit provides the IMAGINE Project with insights into current IPC and antibiotic prescribing practices in the participating nursing homes. By sharing these findings and focusing on actionable improvements, the workshop aims to foster a sustainable approach to infection management within nursing homes.
The IMAGINE intervention has been created in collaboration with the IMAGINE participants, developing tools that effectively meet staff needs and concerns of the nursing home staff.
During the intervention, participants will:
- Review and discuss the audit results for their respective nursing homes, identifying areas for improvement in IPC measures and antibiotic prescribing habits. This feedback will offer valuable insights into current practices and assist in identifying areas that require focused improvements.
- Set specific goals for enhancing IPC practices, informed by the audit data, expert recommendations, and EU AMR Guidelines.
- Receive expert-led training on best practices for infection control, including appropriate diagnostic techniques for UTIs and evidence-based approaches to antibiotic stewardship.
- Access and discuss educational resources on IPC and AMS that can be shared with staff, residents, and their families, thereby fostering a culture of awareness and support within the nursing home environment.
The Importance of the Hungarian Intervention
Hungary’s participation in the IMAGINE Project is a key component of our wider strategy to combat AMR across Europe, particularly in settings like nursing homes where residents are at increased risk of infections. The focused, one-day format of this intervention ensures that participants can fully engage with the material, quickly implement best practices, and return to their facilities with new tools and knowledge, where they will inform the rest of the nursing home.
The goal of this session is not only to address immediate concerns but also to lay the foundation for continuous improvement. By understanding the patterns of infection control and antibiotic use within their facilities, HCPs will be better equipped to protect residents from infection-related complications and reduce the misuse of antibiotics.
Measuring Success
After the intervention, the IMAGINE Project will conduct a second audit to evaluate the impact of the training and goal-setting exercises. This follow-up will allow us to measure changes in IPC practices and the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions
Looking Ahead: Expanding best practices across Europe
The insights gained from this one-day intervention in Hungary will be instrumental in shaping the IMAGINE Project’s larger goals of establishing a replicable model for IPC and AMS in nursing homes throughout the EU. By providing HCPs with expert training and fostering collaboration, we hope to create a lasting impact that will benefit not only Hungary but also nursing home residents across Europe.
This intervention is a significant milestone in our mission to combat AMR, improve infection control, and enhance the quality of care in long-term care facilities. We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of the workshop in Hungary and sharing updates on the progress of our initiatives in the coming months.
Stay tuned for more news as we continue to roll out these essential interventions and work towards safer, healthier environments for nursing home residents across Europe.
As the project progresses, upcoming interventions will be held in additional countries, with sessions planned for Greece, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Denmark over the next several weeks to strengthen infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship practices.