Brussels, 15/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 15 December, the European Commission adopted a communication and draft recommendation from the Council that aims to raise awareness in member states and health care services about the need to fight against healthcare associated infections caused by incorrect or delayed diagnoses; surgical errors and medication related errors.
Each year, in the EU, between 8% and 12% of patients admitted to hospitals suffer harm from the healthcare they receive. The annual number of patients in the EU with at least one hospital acquired infection is estimated at around 4 million patients, with no fewer than 37,000 related deaths. During her presentation of these two texts to the press on Monday, the European Commissioner for Health, Androulla Vassiliou, said that these figures were unacceptable and urged member states to take steps to substantially reduce this number.
In its communication, the Commission recommended that improved patient security become the goal in a comprehensive approach. Member States are encouraged to put in place and improve strategies to prevent and control adverse events in all healthcare settings. The primary focus is on addressing systemic and organisational failures responsible for most harm to patients. Key recommendations for Member States include, for example: establishing or strengthening reporting and learning systems; embedding patient safety in the education and training of healthcare workers; involving patients in the development of safety measures; and providing patients with relevant information on health risks and safety issues. Member States are also encouraged to share best practice and expertise in this field. The Commission will work with Member States to develop common definitions and indicators for patient safety.
The centre for the prevention and monitoring of diseases in Stockholm is already working on this issue (EUROPE/Documents 2501). Healthcare associated infections will be one of its priorities in 2009, which will include a study illustrating the prevalence of this problem in Europe. This study will cover all university hospitals and acute care hospitals over the 2010/11 period. (O.J./trans/rh)