Hospital Hygiene More staff, less costs

In German hospitals, multidrug-resistant germs are becoming more and more of a problem. At the same time, a few measures could cost-effectively improve the situation

03/12/2014

In German hospitals, multidrug-resistant germs are becoming more and more of a problem. At the same time, a few measures could cost-effectively improve the situation. Because most of the germs were transmitted to the patients in the hospitals themselves. One of the reasons for this is the relatively low number of nurses per patient, which means that the disinfection of the hands is deficient. Another cause is the far too often unnecessary prescription of antibiotics by doctors. Comparisons with other countries show that the personnel key is crucial. Thus, the number of patients per carer in Germany is almost three times as high as, for example, those in the USA or Norway.

More staff reduces costs
According to an American study, the number of pneumococcal infections decreases significantly with every improvement in the nursing-to-patient ratio. Also, the incidence of other hospital-borne illnesses decreases significantly with each passing minute of nursing staff having more time available to patients.

An increase in staff is not only desirable from a medical point of view. Also for cost reasons, such a measure makes sense. According to an American study, an increase in staff by 45 minutes per patient would cost $ 192 on the one hand. At the same time, the healthcare system would also save $ 608 per patient for post-treatment and re-admission, generating a surplus of $ 415. Jonas Schreyögg, health economist at the University of Hamburg, said: "The problem is that good results in German hospitals are not yet worth the money, that is, they are not reflected in compensation."

Responsible use of antibiotics
Another significant factor in combating multidrug-resistant bacteria is the use of antibiotics. Although significantly fewer antibiotics were used in Germany in 2013 than 5 years ago. However, they are still prescribed too often and therefore increase the risk of resistant germs forming. A particular danger in this context is the use of broadband antibiotics. They should only be used as an ultima ratio in emergencies. It has been found that in hospitals that use many antibiotics, the number of infections with resistant germs also increases. Alternatively, methods of natural medicine can be used here. This includes, for example, homeopathy. Another danger comes from the use of antibiotics in the animal mast. (Jp)