Latest articles from research and practice
European Antibiotic Awareness Day on 18 November 2021 and World Antimicrobial Awareness Week from 18–24 November 2021: Spread awareness – stop resistance!
It has long been warned that we could be facing a post-antibiotic era in the near future in which humanity can no longer count on the effectiveness of antibiotics. If even everyday infections suddenly become life-threatening, the number of annual deaths from resistant infections could rise dramatically. Whether and when this horror scenario occurs, however, depends on many factors: How prudently will people use antibiotics in the future? How quickly do resistant germs spread? How quickly will new active substances be developed? Every November, the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) and the European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) raise awareness of this issue and call for the prudent use of antimicrobial agents - join in!
Global Handwashing Day on 15/10.
Effective health protection in a few seconds
Actually, there is no easier way to protect your health: Washing your hands can effectively help combat infectious diseases. And if soap is not enough, disinfectants can help. When? See for yourself…
CLEAN HOSPITALS DAY on 20 Oct.
This year on 20 Oct., CLEAN HOSPITALS DAY will focus on one aspect that has often been neglected...
Safe from the first breath: 17 September 2021 is World Patient Safety Day.
World Patient Safety Day takes place annually on 17 September and raises awareness of patient safety through numerous activities and events - this year hybrid. This year's theme is "Safe from the first breath" and focuses on expectant mothers and newborns. Find out how patient empowerment and infection prevention contribute to patient safety and how we at HARTMANN are committed to this as part of our MISSION:INFECTION PREVENTION.
10 years together against sepsis - 10 years World Sepsis Day on 13 September 2021
Sepsis remains one of the leading causes of death from infection, affecting up to 50 million people worldwide each year, with an estimated 11 million of those dying. But most importantly, sepsis could often be prevented - namely through appropriate infection prevention measures. In view of this, World Sepsis Day (WSD) was launched 10 years ago on 13 September. Today, as then, the day of action fights against the life-threatening complication and for infection prevention under the motto "Prevent Infections - Prevent Sepsis - Save Lives" - and we are fighting along!
10 years of BODE SCIENCE CENTER
Since 2011, the BODE SCIENCE CENTER has been researching infection control. In other words, we have conducted studies along with clinical and academic partners, exchanged ideas with experts from the field and, of course, surveyed our customers in detail. Based on this intensive and direct exchange, we have developed practical solutions as well as tools and trainings for infection control, some of which have set new standards in healthcare. Our focus: Providing you with the best possible support in your daily work and increasing your safety and the safety of all healthcare workers and patients. Most of all in the fight against nosocomial infections. Find out more.
DISINFACTS 1/2021
In the current issue of DISINFACTS, the COVID-19 pandemic again sets the tone for a large part of the topics. You will find both scientific background and practical instructions on the spotlight topics of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and vaccination, e.g., on sterile vaccination and safe use of antigen tests. You will also learn about the added value of Mikrobac® Virucidal Tissues for gynaecological practice and what this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April and World Hand Hygiene Day on 5 May are all about.
World Hand Hygiene Day on May 5: making the most of those valuable seconds
Consistent hand hygiene is one of the most effective preventive measures against infectious diseases, especially in clinical settings. The annual World Hand Hygiene Day on May 5 aims to make hand hygiene a natural part of everyday life. And so, we also say: YOUR FOCUS: CLEAN HANDS AT THE POINT OF CARE – SECONDS SAVE LIVES! Read more about your focus situations.
Making the most of the valuable seconds of hand hygiene – also in public and private settings
One of the most effective preventive measures against infectious diseases also in public and private settings is consistent hand hygiene. And so, for International Hand Hygiene Day on May 5, we say likewise: YOUR FOCUS: CLEAN HANDS AT THE POINT OF USE – SECONDS SAVE LIVES! Learn more about your private focus situations.
Cautious use of antibiotics: campaigns against antibiotic resistance in November 2020
Humanity has been fighting infections caused by pathogens for years and years. Even though there isn’t any medication against viruses, we have a wide range of effective weapons against bacteria available. However, antibiotic resistance is constantly increasing. What happens if we’re soon standing empty-handed? The European Antibiotic Awareness Day (18/11/2020) and World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (18–24/11/2020) are taking place in November, in order to increase the awareness of this problem, and with the goal to inform and educate about the cautious use of antibiotics. Learn more and contribute to keeping antibiotics effective!
Proper Handling of Personal Protective Equipment
Only carful handling of the personal protective equipment offers effective protection against infections. Especially the removal of PPE can lead to the contamination of clothes or of the body. Hence, we prepared descriptive infographics which illustrate how to put on and take off your personal protective equipment.
Infographics for students and teachers: hand hygiene in schools
After school closure in the context of the coronavirus pandemic most students and teachers are returning to school, and proper hand hygiene is gaining significance. We prepared infographics for teachers and students of different ages to help them practice decent hand washing and hand disinfection in schools.
Infographic: Masks in our daily lives, hygienic and safe use
Next to hands and surfaces, infection via droplets is the most common transmission path for SARS-CoV-2. The risk of infection is decreased by wearing face masks which are available as self-made or medical face masks for the protection of others, and as filtering facepieces for the protection of others as well as for oneself. An infographic for download and printing shows you the proper handling of masks.
SARS-CoV-2 – Handling fake news the right way
False information about SARS-CoV-2 has become a problem. Myths and misinformation are circulating about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, the disease it causes.
Newly emerged coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
The so far unknown virus SARS-CoV-2 which is responsible for the 2019 emerged COVID-19 outbreak (Coronavirus disease 2019) belongs to the Coronaviruses within the family Coronaviridae.
World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW):
Fighting antibiotic resistance globally
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the uninhibited emergence of new antibiotic resistances has become the "greatest and most urgent global threat". The reason: infections with multidrug-resistant pathogens and the associated deaths are increasing rapidly all around the world.
Join in: Patient empowerment in hand hygiene
When it comes to hand hygiene, healthcare workers are often the main target group. On the other hand, current research suggests that actively involving patients in hand hygiene practices could be beneficial. WHO guidelines also include such recommendations.
For a successful implementation, certain requirements have to be met.
Benefits of hand disinfection: Also proved for when at home or travelling
Contrary to current media reports, which say that it is pointless or even dangerous to perform hygienic hand disinfection at home or when travelling, it has been proven that this measure may help prevent infection. Here, you will find the recommendations of leading hygiene experts.
Noroviruses: Efficient hygiene management to prevent infection
Although being more active during the winter months, noroviruses may also cause infections and outbreaks in the summer. To prevent further spread it is important to strictly observe certain hygiene measures – with focus on hand hygiene. Learn more and download our concise infographic.
How is your Hospital’s Hand Hygiene Compliance?
Take the test to find out the hygiene management status in your healthcare setting.
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Success of multimodal hand hygiene programmes
Hygiene experts throughout the world agree: in order to improve compliance, strategies need to target the differing barriers and obstacles to successful hand disinfection at several levels. The success of multimodal programmes is due to a mix of, for example, training courses, the availability of products, observation, and feedback.
Studies: Multimodal hand hygiene programmes improve compliance
The effectiveness of multimodal programmes is at the focus of many scientific investigations. The studies, including a recent review, show: evidence-based multimodal interventions are capable of increasing hand hygiene compliance significantly and thus reducing the nosocomial infection rate.
Table: Hygiene measures in the event of MRGN
Multi-resistant Gram-negative pathogens are on the rise worldwide. Due to the limited possibilities for treating infections, hygiene measures for preventing the transmission of pathogens are key. Depending on the pathogens’ resistance patterns and the hospital area concerned, basic hygiene needs to be complemented by further measures.
