[Network against multidrug-resistant organisms in the Rhine-Main region, Germany. A first evaluation]

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are not only a problem in the hospital but also in the community setting. The MRE-Net Rhine-Main was founded in order to decrease the rate of development and spread of MDROs in the region and to counter the stigmatisation of people with MDROs. The network attempts to achieve these goals by offering telephone support, information flyers, internet services, information events and training for health-care practitioners from hospitals (HOSP), residential and nursing homes (RNH), outpatient care services (OCS), emergency services (ES), medical practices (MP) and rehabilitation centers (RC). A first interim evaluation examined the expectations each institution had associated with its participation and how well these objectives were fulfilled. Furthermore the utilisation and acceptance of the services offered by the network were investigated.

The participating institutions (n=143) received a standardised questionnaire adapted to the type of institution by mail including questions focusing on the above-mentioned issues.

96 questionnaires could be evaluated (response 67.1%). More than 90% of the participants expected to participate in trainings, receive improved information, to gain more confidence in handling patients and to improve hygiene measures - with great differences between HOSP, RNH and OCS. These expectations were largely satisfied. 65.5% of the institutions participated at least once in a training, particularly RNH, OCS, whereby the usefulness of the trainings was rated high by these institutions. 14.4% of the institutions had made use of the telephone service, the gain of information was rated as high by HOSP, RNH and OCS. 81% knew of and used the flyers, but almost half of the institutions did not know the homepage of the network.

Overall the expectations of the network participants were met well to very well and the benefit derived from the trainings and the print and online media was rated as high. Therefore the network will continue and further intensify its work.