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[Infectious diseases as a clinical specialty in Germany and Europe]
Winfried V Kern1, Gerd Fätkenheuer2, Evelina Tacconelli3
1Abteilung Infektiologie, Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Clinical infectious diseases have only slowly been established as a medical specialty in Germany. The density of infectious diseases (ID) specialists and the number of ID divisions in general hospitals is still limited when compared with the situation in many other European countries, and there is also a lack of hospital-based medical microbiologists and infection control doctors for many reasons. Often, there is a lack of understanding of the roles and the performance of ID specialists versus microbiologists. Experience in other countries shows that ID specialists are important as clinical experts at the bedside, can help ascertain healthcare quality and patient safety, and are perfectly suited for undertaking strategic tasks in the field of cost-effective antimicrobial therapy algorithms and antibiotic stewardship (ABS) in hospitals. ID specialists are responsible for infection control in several countries, can improve the utility of diagnostic microbiology and are key partners in translational research. We estimate that more than 1,000 additional ID specialists are needed in this country, and believe that specially trained ABS experts can take over parts of their responsibilities and tasks in smaller hospitals. More capacity and flexibility in postgraduate training in infectious diseases, antibiotic stewardship and infection control in Germany will be critical to address the problem of antimicrobial resistance. (As supplied by publisher).
Insights
Germany needs over 1,000 infectious diseases (ID) specialists to improve patient safety and combat antimicrobial resistance. Enhanced training in ID, antibiotic stewardship (ABS), and infection control is crucial for addressing these challenges.
Area of Science:
- Medical Specialty Development
- Infectious Diseases (ID)
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Background:
- Infectious diseases (ID) specialty development in Germany lags behind other European nations.
- Limited numbers of ID specialists, medical microbiologists, and infection control professionals exist.
- Misunderstanding of roles between ID specialists and microbiologists is common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical need for more infectious diseases (ID) specialists in Germany.
- To emphasize the importance of ID specialists in clinical care, patient safety, and antimicrobial stewardship (ABS).
- To advocate for increased capacity and flexibility in postgraduate training for ID, ABS, and infection control.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of ID specialist density with other European countries.
- Review of the roles and contributions of ID specialists in healthcare settings.
- Estimation of the current deficit and future needs for ID specialists in Germany.
Main Results:
- Germany requires an estimated 1,000+ additional ID specialists.
- ID specialists enhance clinical expertise, patient safety, and cost-effective antimicrobial therapy.
- Specially trained antibiotic stewardship (ABS) experts can support smaller hospitals.
Conclusions:
- Expanding ID specialist capacity and training is vital for combating antimicrobial resistance in Germany.
- Enhanced training programs in infectious diseases, ABS, and infection control are essential.
- Addressing the shortage of ID specialists will improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes.
