Hospitals

The Facts 

Hospitals account for 8% - 10% of the total annual consumption of antibiotics in France, despite the fact that hospitalised patients represent less than 2% of the French population.

The Problem

Hospitalised patients are more likely to be prescribed one or more antibiotic treatments, more likely to develop an infection, and more likely to acquire antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When discharged, if returning home, they may spread these resistant bacteria to their families and pets, or if they are admitted to a nursing home or rehabilitation centre, they may spread them to other residents.

Actions to be taken / Actions taken / Solutions

  • Prevent infection
  • Ensure optimal hand hygiene: recommend the use of hydroalcoholic products (hydroalcoholic gels or hydroalcoholic solutions) both by healthcare professionals and those being treated
  • Promote good healthcare practices: for example, only administer care that actually benefits the patient, thereby minimising risks, in particular where invasive techniques or devices are used
  • Encourage vaccination: ensure healthcare professionals and those receiving care have been vaccinated in accordance with national recommendations (vaccination schedule)
  • Use antibiotics responsibly: only prescribe antibiotics when strictly necessary; ensure accurate diagnosis; use appropriate complementary tests; prescribe and administer the right antibiotic for the patient, type of infection and bacteria, in the right dosage and for the right duration
  • Put in place the necessary competent human resources to ensure effective implementation: train all healthcare professionals and recruit specialists to work in hospital hygiene units, multidisciplinary antimicrobial therapy services, and as antimicrobial therapy consultants
  • Develop an action plan: design and put in place an action plan with indicators to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of actions taken
  • Create a tracking system: monitor antibiotic consumption; record the frequency of emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria; evaluate prevention efforts and proper use of antibiotics
  • Protect the environment: develop a strategy to reduce the release of antibiotic residues into the environment