As part of the IMAGINE Project’s ongoing commitment to combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improving infection control practices in nursing homes, we are excited to announce the upcoming intervention workshops in Greece, which will be held on October 25th in Chania and November 6th in Heraklion, Crete.
These workshops will engage healthcare professionals (HCPs) from nursing homes across the region, focusing on equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, particularly in managing common infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Organized by our dedicated team from the University of Crete, these workshops aim to empower healthcare professionals with targeted training to improve antibiotic stewardship and minimize infection risks.
Workshop overview and objectives
The two-day intervention in Greece will convene HCPs from multiple nursing homes to participate in a structured and interactive workshop. This initiative seeks to foster collaboration and learning, where participants can reflect on their current practices and explore effective strategies for improvement. Key discussions will center around the findings from previous audits conducted as part of the IMAGINE Project’s comprehensive before-and-after study.
During these sessions, HCPs will:
– Analyze audit findings: review the results of previous audits to evaluate existing infection control measures and antibiotic prescribing trends, offering insights into current practices and identifying areas for targeted improvements.
– Establish actionable goals: set specific goals based on audit data, expert recommendations, and the latest EU AMR Guidelines to enhance IPC protocols and optimize antibiotic usage.
– Participate in expert-led training: engage in training sessions focused on best practices for diagnosing and managing UTIs, as well as implementing effective infection prevention techniques.
– Access educational resources: receive educational materials on IPC and AMS, which will be shared with both HCPs and residents’ families to foster a broader understanding of infection prevention within the nursing home community.
Additionally, the materials created for this initiative have been developed in collaboration with the participants themselves, ensuring that they directly address their needs and concerns.
The Audit Project Odense Method: A Proven Approach
The IMAGINE Project employs the Audit Project Odense (APO) method, a structured framework that enables nursing homes to systematically assess and enhance their practices. This method includes an initial three-month audit phase, during which HCPs actively monitor and document data related to UTIs and IPC measures within their facilities. The APO method supports a comprehensive, data-driven evaluation that serves as the foundation for subsequent interventions.
Following the workshops, a second audit will be conducted to assess the impact of these interventions, analyzing outcomes, and identifying areas that may require further support.
Why Greece’s Nursing Homes are crucial in the fight against AMR
Nursing homes play an essential role in the health and well-being of some of society’s most vulnerable individuals. Residents often face increased risks of infections, and improper antibiotic use can lead to the emergence of AMR, posing significant health threats. By focusing on IPC and AMS, the IMAGINE Project aims to instill lasting changes in infection management, ultimately reducing the burden of AMR and enhancing the quality of care for nursing home residents.
What comes next?
The intervention workshops in Greece mark a significant advancement in the IMAGINE Project’s broader efforts across Europe. After Greece, interventions will continue in other participating countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Denmark, over the coming months. Each workshop will provide invaluable data and feedback, refining our methods and scaling our approach.
The IMAGINE Project remains dedicated to reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improving infection prevention practices in nursing homes, paving the way for better health outcomes across the continent.