OSKAR pilot project: Developing a competence network in eastern Switzerland for infection prevention in retirement and nursing homes

The pilot project of the Clinic for Infectiology/Infection Prevention at the Cantonal Hospital of St Gallen has provided important insights into infection prevention and control in retirement and nursing homes. Seven institutions participated in the programme, which ran from 2022 to 2023. This practice-based project was carried out in collaboration with the St Gallen Geriatric Clinic, the Canton of St Gallen and Curaviva St Gallen.

The OSKAR pilot project aimed to reduce infections in institutions without compromising residents' quality of life. The safety of the employees was a priority at all times. Another aim of the pilot project was to provide valuable information for the implementation of the NOSO Strategy in retirement and nursing homes. To achieve these aims, the project planned to implement infection prevention in retirement and nursing homes on a structured manner, provide training courses and develop cantonal guidelines.

The pilot project's competence network was put to the test in seven retirement and nursing homes in eastern Switzerland. During the preparation phase, networks were established, relevant literature was reviewed and the current status of infection prevention in the participating institutions was assessed. During the implementation phase, the structural requirements were created for effective infection prevention. Key components included the appointment of an infection prevention link nurse, the introduction of guidelines, staff training and a system for monitoring respiratory viruses and multidrug-resistant organisms. Technical support was provided by an infection prevention expert. After the implementation phase, an evaluation was carried out and the pilot project was closed. This was followed by a transition back to normal operations. Six of the institutions signed an ongoing contract and will continue to participate in the competence network.

The results of the pilot project have shown that a major strength lies in interdisciplinary and interprofessional cooperation, e.g. between institutions, cantons, associations and the OSKAR team. Creating structural requirements is essential and working in networks is a good way to save resources. Sustainable and effective infection prevention requires the active support of retirement and nursing home managers, and a sufficient number of specially trained staff. Without such a foundation, it is more difficult for knowledge to be transferred within institutions.

Links

OSKAR | Klinik für Infektiologie / Spitalhygiene (infekt-kssg.ch), in german

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