Harmonizing and supporting infection control training in Europe.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) and patient safety are critical concerns in Europe.
• Infection control training for healthcare workers (HCWs) is fundamental to HCAI prevention and patient safety initiatives.
• Previous assessments highlighted increased commitment to HCAI prevention but also obstacles to harmonized training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the findings of the TRICE project regarding training needs in infection control in Europe.
• To outline the objectives and outcomes of the TRICE-IS project, focusing on harmonizing training methodologies and standards.
• To assess progress and challenges in implementing effective infection control and hospital hygiene (IC/HH) training strategies across the European Union.

Main Methods:

• Review of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) commissioned assessment of needs for training in infection control in Europe (TRICE).
• Analysis of the subsequent 'Implementation of a training strategy for infection control in the European Union' (TRICE-IS) project.
• Examination of identified obstacles including varying HCW qualifications, resource limitations, and programme sustainability.

Main Results:

• The TRICE project indicated a growing commitment to HCAI prevention but revealed significant barriers to training harmonization.
• Obstacles included differences in national qualifications for HCWs, resource availability, and the sustainability of infection control and hospital hygiene (IC/HH) programs.
• The TRICE-IS project aimed to establish agreed standards for evaluating IC/HH courses, develop a flexible taxonomy, and create a web-based tool for professionals.

Conclusions:

• Harmonizing infection control and hospital hygiene training in Europe faces challenges related to national disparities and resource allocation.
• The TRICE and TRICE-IS projects represent significant efforts by the ECDC to address these challenges and improve training standards.
• Developing standardized methodologies, taxonomies, and accessible tools is crucial for advancing effective infection control training across the EU.