NOSO Strategy: "Evaluation" action area (E)
The situation regarding HAIs in Switzerland needs to be evaluated on a regular basis. Concrete numbers enable an estimate of the extent of the problem and the development of measures tailored to the needs of hospitals and nursing homes.
Strategic objective
- The numbers on prevalence, mortality and secondary costs of HAIs are well known, and their avoidable share has been determined. This enables us to develop targeted national measures that are prioritised according to the needs of hospitals and nursing homes.
- Besides, the nursing institutions know their own situation and can adapt measures accordingly.
- A regular nationwide point prevalence survey permits a long-term evaluation of the effect of the NOSO Strategy’s measures.
- Experts assist in regularly evaluating the benefit and cost-effectiveness of the measures as well, which allows any necessary adjustments to be made to the implementation work.
Key measures
Baseline (E-1)
Point prevalence surveys and research of the literature are used to establish a data foundation. The prevalence studies are repeated in order to track HAI development over time and allow institutions to self-evaluate.
Evaluation of the NOSO Strategy (E-2)
The progress made with the NOSO Strategy is surveyed, and the effectiveness of the implemented measures is evaluated.
Examples of implementation
Estimates on cost and mortality of HAIs
HAI patients spent an average of 6.4 more days in hospital. This is one of several findings of a study on the consequences of HAIs in Switzerland.
Point prevalence surveys in hospitals
Regular point prevalence surveys provide information on the development of healthcare-associated infection rates (HAI) and on the use of antibiotics in Swiss acute care hospitals.
Feasibility study on HAI prevalence in nursing homes
The centre for hygiene, infection prevention and control in the Canton of Vaud (HPCi Vaud) and St. Gallen Cantonal Hospital (KSSG) have conducted feasibility studies on the point prevalence survey of HAI and the use of antibiotics in nursing homes.
National study for the improvement of the quality of care
The Institute for Nursing Science of Basel University examines to what extent organisational and personnel factors are connected with quality of care. To that aim, it collects data from roughly 120 Swiss nursing homes.
Further information
Further topics
About the NOSO Strategy
The NOSO Strategy aims to reduce the number of hospital and nursing home infections. It defines five priority areas, each with its own strategic objective and a bundle of key measures.
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Infection Control and Control Measures Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern