Revealing the Gaps: WHO's Global Report Shines Light on IPC Training Shortfalls
IPC Training is Essential for Combating HAIs and AMR
The World Health Organization (WHO) paper "Addressing the burden of infections and antimicrobial resistance associated with health care" [1], highlights the critical role of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs in tackling healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is particularly relevant to Infection Prevention experts leading large healthcare organizations globally, as it underscores the significant economic benefits of investing in effective IPC training.
This article will look at the WHO's call for strengthened IPC, and strengthened IPC training.
The Alarming Numbers: HAIs and AMR a Global Threat
The report paints a concerning picture. On average, 7% of patients in high-income countries acquire HAIs during hospitalization, with the number doubling in low- and middle-income settings. These infections are often caused by multi-drug resistant organisms, significantly complicating treatment and increasing mortality rates. The WHO estimates that AMR contributes to 700,000 deaths globally each year, with projections reaching a staggering 9.5 million deaths annually if current trends persist.
By 2030, around one in five infections in G7 countries will be caused by bacteria resistant to antimicrobial treatment
The Economic Case for Investing in IPC
The WHO report makes a compelling economic argument for IPC training. Studies show that strengthening IPC interventions can achieve substantial reductions in HAI rates, ranging from 35% to 70%, irrespective of a country's income level. This translates to significant cost savings for healthcare institutions by reducing hospital stays, minimizing the need for expensive treatments for resistant infections, and improving overall patient outcomes.
The report makes it clear that small investments yield large savings, but with the advent of recent technological advancements and the integration of AI-based simulation training for hand hygiene and PPE, the potential for return on investment has significantly increased since the publication.
IPC Education is the Component that Presents More Gaps
The article notes that IPC training and education (in-service IPC training of all health and care workers at the facility level) is the component that presents more gaps.
It is exactly in IPC education that a novel AI simulation training method can provide huge benefits in autonomously delivering IPC education that is more efficient, effective, and scalable. By demonstrably improving hand hygiene and PPE adherence, Blue Mirror's “talking mirror” AI technology empowers healthcare organizations to implement the WHO's recommendations and achieve a substantial return on investment compared to traditional means (next best alternative).
Blue Mirror: Revolutionizing IPC Training with AI for IPC Simulation Training of Hand Hygiene and PPE
Blue Mirror's unique "talking mirror" interface offers a powerful solution for enhancing IPC training and education. This immersive platform provides healthcare workers with one-on-one simulation training in Hand Hygiene and PPE donning and doffing. It achieves this by providing step-by-step guidance with real-time feedback whenever corrective action is needed. This personalized, hands-on approach significantly improves skills retention and adherence to protocols compared to traditional training methods.
Watch this explainer video to learn more about Blue Mirror:
Embrace the Future of IPC Training: Contact Blue Mirror Today
Blue Mirror offers a powerful and cost-effective solution for ensuring optimal IPC competency within your healthcare organization. Contact us today to learn more about how our innovative training platform can empower your staff and safeguard your patients.
1 https://www.oecd.org/health/Addressing-burden-of-infections-and-AMR-associated-with-health-care.pdf
