Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz
-
Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · Apr 2014
[Results of the introduction of the "mre Netzwerk Nordwest" quality certification for nursing homes in Bonn].
The Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention of the Robert Koch Institute (KRINKO) published a Recommendation for Prevention of Infection in Nursing Homes in 2005 [Kommission für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektionsprävention beim Robert Koch-Institut (KRINKO)]. The recommended measures for infection control of multidrug-resistant pathogens (MRP) are well known in most institutions. The "mre-Netzwerk Nordwest" quality certification is new, and was implemented by the KRINKO recommendation on a standardized basis for the first time in 2012 in Bonn, Germany. This study describes the first results of this initiative. ⋯ Implementation of the certification was assessed as positive, although it involves additional investments. The application of the approach was considered feasible as compared with other regions. The portion of antibiotic therapy use and partly that of other drugs was comparable to the findings of Wischnewski et al., Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 54(11):1147-1152, 2011. Re-assessing the indication for urinary tract catheters might have a positive influence on the prevention of infections. The certification can trigger the exchange of information on MRP and antibiotic stewardship between nursing home physicians.
-
Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · Apr 2014
[Healthcare associated infections (HAI), antibiotic use and prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRO) in residents of long-term care facilities: the Frankfurt HALT plus MDRO project 2012].
Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF) are at risk of healthcare associated infections (HAI) and are often treated with antibiotics. In Germany a current HAI prevalence of 1.6 % and antibiotic use in 1.15% have been reported. However, data published on the current prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MRDO) in LTCFs in Germany are scarce. Therefore, the prevalence of HAI, antibiotic use and presence of MDROs were investigated in LTCF residents in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. ⋯ The HAIs and antibiotic use were comparable to the German HALT data from 2010. Compared to other German studies there is a steadily increasing MRSA problem in German LTCFs. High and increasing ESBL rates have been detected in German LTCFs. Further studies are needed to confirm this trend, preferably encompassing molecular methods to study epidemiology.
-
Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · Dec 2013
[Preimplantation diagnosis--PID: preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS)].
Preimplantation diagnosis (PID) comprises all the relevant diagnostic procedures for the investigation of genetic, structural, or numerical changes of the genetic information in spermatozoa and oocytes as well as in embryos after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). PID of oocytes is well established in Germany for the above-mentioned indications. PID at the embryonic level, i.e., trophectoderm biopsy of blastocysts, is possible in centers with proven expertise in reproductive medicine and human genetics. ⋯ A specialized ethics committee is required to look into each case before making a decision. While PID is still under development in Germany, it has been a well-established technology worldwide for 24 years. International experience in PID and the resulting implications are discussed in this article.
-
Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · Nov 2013
[Personalised medicine. Paradigm shift within drug research and therapy].
In the middle of the 1980s and 1990s, drug research underwent a significant change. With new knowledge gained from molecular medicine, it became possible to understand the development and course of many diseases in much more detail. As a consequence, truly new therapies were developed on the basis of natural sciences. ⋯ To introduce more personalised therapies and therefore achieve the best possible patient care as well as increased cost efficiency for the health care system in the future, all players in health care should work closely together to meet the challenges of personalised medicine.