Description
Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) are interventions designed to improve the proper use of microbials and prevent Healthcare-associated infections (HAI). In Portugal, the rates of HAIS are high. It is very important to understand in more detail HAIs and identify the problems that delay Portugal’s HAIs control programs. Our goal is to improve the prevention and treatment of antimicrobial resistant HAI by creating, implementing and validating a toolkit based on the data management related to HAI and ASP, adapted to the Portuguese reality. The results obtained will be shared with the Portuguese national program for HAI control to assist the national implementation of an ASP. Norway associates a well implemented low level of antibiotic resistance with a Surveillance System for HAIs. This project will contribute for a long-term cooperation in public health area. The University Hospital of Northern Norway will bring the expertise in antimicrobial resistant HAI management to the project.
Summary of project results
Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) caused by antibiotic resistant pathogens are linked with high levels of morbidity and mortality. The Program for Prevention and Control of Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance is one of the priority programs of Portuguese Directorate of Health (DGS) that aims to reduce, prevent and control HAI. For contributing for these objectives, the project developed the HAITool, an integrated information system, co-designed with healthcare workers and in line with organizational processes, which facilitates local epidemiological surveillance and improves a timely and adequate antibiotic prescription. The implementation of HAITool in three Portuguese public hospitals has allowed guided interventions to improve antibiotics use, according with clinical situation assessment. HAITool also facilitated surveillance and reporting of results on antibiotic consumption, based on the patterns of HAI’s information management and Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (guidelines), adapted to Portuguese reality. To better disseminate Antibiotic Stewardship recommendations, a policy paper and a booklet were produced and a seminar for health professionals were organized. The project gave an important contribution to decrease the high rates of antibiotic use as well as antibiotic resistance associated with HAI in Portugal, by strengthening professional skills.
Summary of bilateral results
Although Funds for Bilateral Relations have not applied to the Promoter, bilateral partnerships were established during the project execution with the University Hospital of Northern Norway, located in Tromsø, Norway. Since this hospital is the headquarters of Norway’s surveillance for antibiotic resistance both in Hospital and primary care, the partnership gave an important contribution on antimicrobial resistant HAIs management as well as served as a benchmark. Also, the partnership established with the department of Health informatics, of the University Hospital of Geneva lead by Professor Christian Lovis, gave an important contribution on the development and implemented an infection control and management information system.