Health care-associated infection is a major issue in patient safety even in countries with well-developed regulatory and healthcare systems. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has estimated that, on average, healthcare associated infections occur in one hospitalised patient in 20, that is to say 4,1 million patients a year in the EU, and that 37 000 deaths are caused every year as a result of such infections.
For this reason, the European Union has launched a broad initiative with the objective to improve patient safety as well as the high economic burden on limited health care resources.
- Patients should be informed
- The prevention and control of healthcare associated infections should be a long-term strategic priority for healthcare institutions.
- Member States should work closely with the health technology industry to encourage better design for patient safety in order to reduce the occurrence of adverse events in healthcare.
- Patient safety should be embedded in the education and training of healthcare workers, as the providers of care.
The SBA is ready to contribute to the education and training of health care workers on patient safety aspects in relation with sterile barrier systems. Learn more
Regulatory controls for medical devices play a vital role in the fight against health care-associated infections.
See Overview of current relevant legislation and standards for sterile barrier systems in Europe.
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