Healthcare facilities play a significant role in the development and spread of drug-resistant bacteria. Whilst delivering their mission to support the health and wellbeing of patients, the European healthcare sector is paradoxically undermining the effectiveness of the antimicrobials that under­pin modern medicine.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is estimated to cause 700,000 deaths per year globally. In the EU, AMR is annually responsible for an estimated 33,000 deaths and more than €1.5bn in healthcare costs and productivity losses. If no effective action is undertaken, AMR will increasingly damage populations’ health and place further burden on already strained healthcare budgets.

In Europe, approximately 75% of drug-resistant infections are associated with healthcare. Recognising this challenge, Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe conducted a survey (the first of its kind at the EU level) to identify best practice for tackling AMR.

The subsequent report, Tackling AMR in Europe’s healthcare facilities, assesses the survey results and highlights best practice reported by respondents. The report informs stakeholders about hospital initiatives, and provides recommendations for hospitals and health systems in five key areas:

1. Antibiotic stewardship
2. Infection prevention and control
3. Wastewater treatment
4. Procurement practices
5. Training and information 

Learn more in this new report: Tackling AMR in Europe’s healthcare facilities