Perspectives of European Patient Advocacy Groups on Volunteer Registries and Vaccine Trials: VACCELERATE Survey Study.

BACKGROUND: The VACCELERATE Pan-European Scientific network aims to strengthen the foundation of vaccine trial research across Europe by following the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity. The VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry network provides access to vaccine trial sites across the European region and supports a sustainable volunteer platform for identifying potential participants for forthcoming vaccine clinical research. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to approach members of patient advocacy groups (PAGs) across Europe to assess their willingness to register for the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry and their perspectives related to participating in vaccine trials. METHODS: In an effort to understand how to increase recruitment for the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry, a standardized survey was developed in English and translated into 8 different languages (Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Spanish, and Swedish) by the respective National Coordinator team. The online, anonymous survey was circulated, from March 2022 to May 2022, to PAGs across 10 European countries (Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Sweden) to share with their members. The questionnaire constituted of multiple choice and open-ended questions evaluating information regarding participants' perceptions on participating in vaccine trials and their willingness to become involved in the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry. RESULTS: In total, 520 responses were collected and analyzed. The PAG members reported that the principal criteria influencing their decision to participate in clinical trials overall are (1) the risks involved, (2) the benefits that will be gained from their potential participation, and (3) the quality and quantity of information provided regarding the trial. The survey revealed that, out of the 520 respondents, 133 individuals across all age groups were "positive" toward registering in the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry, with an additional 47 individuals reporting being "very positive." Respondents from Northern European countries were 1.725 (95% CI 1.206-2.468) times more likely to be willing to participate in the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry than respondents from Southern European countries. CONCLUSIONS: Factors discouraging participants from joining vaccine trial registries or clinical trials primarily include concerns of the safety of novel vaccines and a lack of trust in those involved in vaccine development. These outcomes aid in identifying issues and setbacks in present registries, providing the VACCELERATE network with feedback on how to potentially increase participation and enrollment in trials across Europe. Development of European health communication strategies among diverse public communities, especially via PAGs, is the key for increasing patients' willingness to participate in clinical studies.

Measles-specific antibodies loss after a single dose of MMR vaccine in children with oligo-articular JIA on methotrexate treatment: a single-center case-controlled study.

Novel treatments have revolutionized the care and outcome of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Patients with rheumatic diseases are susceptible to infections, including vaccine preventable ones, due to waning immunity, failing immune system and immunosuppressive treatment received. However, data regarding long-term immunological memory and response to specific vaccines are limited. Assessment of the impact of methotrexate (MTX) treatment on measles-specific-IgG titers, in children with oligo-JIA previously vaccinated with Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine (1 dose); by evaluating the persistence of antibodies produced after measles vaccination while on immunomodulating treatment at 0, 12 and 24 months. Single-center controlled study including 54 oligo-JIA patients and 26 healthy controls. Seroprotection rates and measles-specific-IgG titers were measured by ELISA and were expressed as GMCs (Geometric Mean Concentrations).The two groups had similar demographic characteristics, vaccination history and immunization status. Seroprotection rates were adequate for both groups. Nonetheless, measles GMCs were significantly lower in the oligo-JIA compared to the control group at one (p = 0.039) and two years' follow-up (p = 0.021). Children with oligo-JIA on MTX treatment appeared to have lower measles-specific-IgG titers. Further studies are required to assess the long-term immunity conveyed by immunizations given at an early stage in children with rheumatic diseases on synthetic Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (sDMARDs) and to assess the need for booster doses to subjects at risk.

Community Antibiotic Consumption in Cyprus for the Period 2015 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: Cyprus currently reports to ESAC-Net the total consumption of antimicrobials, without distinguishing between hospital and community-based antibiotic use. As a result, these data can only provide generalized insights into antimicrobial trends in the country. AIM: This study is a first attempt to retrospectively analyze community antibiotic consumption in Cyprus for the period of 2015 to 2022. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on community antimicrobial consumption between 2015 and 2022 were extracted from Pharmatrack's database. Orally administered dispensed antibiotics were categorized under the J01 group of the WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and by the WHO's AWaRe classification of antibiotics. Antibiotic consumption was calculated in both packages consumed and per 1000 inhabitants, overall, by year of consumption and districts. RESULTS: During the period of 2015-2022, there was variability in the mean outpatient antibiotic consumption per 1000 inhabitants among the five districts in Cyprus. Community consumption increased by 38% throughout the study period. Additionally, a decrease of 3% in the consumption of WHO 'Access' antibiotics was observed, accompanied with a concurrent increase of 3% in the 'Watch' group. Specifically, in 2022 the WHO 'Access' group consumption in the Cypriot community was 48%, significantly lower than the WHO's goal of 60% and the EU's goal of 70% for 'Access' antibiotic consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic consumption in the community of Cyprus between 2015 and 2022 demonstrated substantial variability among districts, with higher consumption in less populated areas. There was an increasing trend in community consumption over the years and a decreasing trend in the percentage of 'Access' antibiotics prescribed.

The Challenges of Vaccine Trial Participation among Underserved and Hard-to-Reach Communities: An Internal Expert Consultation of the VACCELERATE Consortium.

Underserved and hard-to-reach population groups are under-represented in vaccine trials. Thus, we aimed to identify the challenges of vaccine trial participation of these groups in member countries of the VACCELERATE network. Seventeen National Coordinators (NC), each representing their respective country (15 European countries, Israel, and Turkey), completed an online survey. From 15 eligible groups, those that were more frequently declared underserved/hard-to-reach in vaccine research were ethnic minorities (76.5%), persons experiencing homelessness (70.6%), illegal workers and refugees (64.7%, each). When prioritization for education on vaccine trials was considered, ethnic groups, migrants, and immigrants (5/17, 29.4%) were the groups most frequently identified by the NC as top targets. The most prominent barriers in vaccine trial participation affecting all groups were low levels of health literacy, reluctance to participate in trials due to engagement level, and low levels of trust in vaccines/vaccinations. This study highlighted population groups considered underserved/hard-to-reach in countries contained within the European region, and the respective barriers these groups face when participating in clinical studies. Our findings aid with the design of tailored interventions (within-and across-countries of the European region) and with the development of strategies to overcome major barriers in phase 2 and phase 3 vaccine trial participation.

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and reporting practices of public hospital microbiology laboratories in Greece, 2022: A national observational survey and call for action.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Greece is among the highest across the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), with high AMR rates even to last-line antibiotics. To better understand the clinical microbiology laboratory practices and capacities in species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) across public healthcare establishments in Greece, we sent a questionnaire to 98 of 128 public hospital microbiology laboratories between 1 February and 1 April 2022. Of the 73.5% (72/98) that responded, 51.4% (37/72) reported using EUCAST guidelines. Two of three laboratories used an automated instrument for species identification and AST for all laboratory samples. Broth microdilution for colistin susceptibility testing was used by 46 of the laboratories, more frequently in larger (> 400 beds) versus smaller (< 400 beds) hospitals (90.5% (19/21) vs 52.9% (27/51) respectively, p = 0.011). MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was available in one of 10 laboratories, and more often in larger compared to smaller hospitals (p = 0.035). Although the majority of laboratories had a laboratory information system (LIS) in place, only half had the capacity to extract data directly from the LIS for the purpose of AMR surveillance; 73.6% (53/72) used restrictive antibiograms. Public microbiology laboratory AMR capacities in Greece require improvement, prioritising interventions for EUCAST guidelines implementation.

Management of children with febrile seizures: a Greek nationwide survey.

The purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge, principles, and practices concerning the management of children with febrile seizures among pediatricians in Greece. A cross-sectional study was performed across Greece. Pediatricians completed an anonymous and voluntary 11-item questionnaire about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices with respect to the management of febrile seizures; the survey also collected demographic data. It was first administered in paper form in October 2017. This was followed by an online survey performed between June and August of 2018 and publicized by medical boards across Greece. Descriptive statistics and comparisons between groups were conducted with the significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. We recorded 457 responses. Pediatricians admitted to modifying their advice to the parents of children with febrile seizures by suggesting more "aggressive" fever management at low temperatures or systematically (63%), referral to a specialist after any episode of febrile seizures (63%), or hospitalization in a subsequent episode (67%), even though 72% admitted these practices were of no efficacy. Almost one in three pediatricians (28%) believed aggressive management of fever could delay the onset of febrile seizures; increasing age was associated with this perception. A minority (28%) would make parents aware of febrile seizures before a first episode regardless of family history; 38% would do so in the event of family history. CONCLUSIONS: Several pediatricians in Greece use outdated and ineffective practices for the management of febrile seizures, despite the availability of updated evidence-based guidelines. Further training of practitioners is needed to bridge this gap. WHAT IS KNOWN: •Aggressive management of fever at low temperatures with antipyretics, referral to a neurologist, and hospitalization are not supported by evidence or recent guidelines on childhood febrile seizures. •Febrile seizures are especially disturbing to uninformed parents, who may be inclined to pursue aggressive but ineffective treatments as a result. WHAT IS NEW: •Pediatricians in Greece use non-evidence-based practices for the management of febrile seizures, even when they are aware that these practices are not effective. •Older age increases the likelihood that a pediatrician will pursue guideline non-compliant practices in Greece. At the same time, physicians with over 20 years of experience are more likely to inform parents in advance about febrile seizures.

VACCELERATE Site Network: Real-time definition of clinical study capacity in Europe.

BACKGROUND: The inconsistent European vaccine trial landscape rendered the continent of limited interest for vaccine developers. The VACCELERATE consortium created a network of capable clinical trial sites throughout Europe. VACCELERATE identifies and provides access to state-of-the-art vaccine trial sites to accelerate clinical development of vaccines. METHODS: Login details for the VACCELERATE Site Network (vaccelerate.eu/site-network/) questionnaire can be obtained after sending an email to. Interested sites provide basic information, such as contact details, affiliation with infectious disease networks, main area of expertise, previous vaccine trial experience, site infrastructure and preferred vaccine trial settings. In addition, sites can recommend other clinical researchers for registration in the network. If directly requested by a sponsor or sponsor representative, the VACCELERATE Site Network pre-selects vaccine trial sites and shares basic study characteristics provided by the sponsor. Interested sites provide feedback with short surveys and feasibility questionnaires developed by VACCELERATE and are connected with the sponsor to initiate the site selection process. RESULTS: As of April 2023, 481 sites from 39 European countries have registered in the VACCELERATE Site Network. Of these, 137 (28.5 %) sites have previous experience conducting phase I trials, 259 (53.8 %) with phase II, 340 (70.7 %) with phase III, and 205 (42.6 %) with phase IV trials, respectively. Infectious diseases were reported as main area of expertise by 274 sites (57.0 %), followed by any kind of immunosuppression by 141 (29.3 %) sites. Numbers are super additive as sites may report clinical trial experience in several indications. Two hundred and thirty-one (47.0 %) sites have the expertise and capacity to enrol paediatric populations and 391 (79.6 %) adult populations. Since its launch in October 2020, the VACCELERATE Site Network has been used 21 times for academic and industry trials, mostly interventional studies, focusing on different pathogens such as fungi, monkeypox virus, Orthomyxoviridae/influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, or Streptococcus pneumoniae/pneumococcus. CONCLUSIONS: The VACCELERATE Site Network enables a constantly updated Europe-wide mapping of experienced clinical sites interested in executing vaccine trials. The network is already in use as a rapid-turnaround single contact point for the identification of vaccine trials sites in Europe.

Enhancing Public Health Communication Regarding Vaccine Trials: Design and Development of the Pan-European VACCELERATE Toolkit.

BACKGROUND: The pan-European VACCELERATE network aims to implement the first transnational harmonized and sustainable vaccine trial Volunteer Registry, being a single entry point for potential volunteers of large-scale vaccine trials across Europe. This work exhibits a set of harmonized vaccine trial-related educational and promotional tools for the general public, designed and disseminated by the pan-European VACCELERATE network. OBJECTIVE: This study primarily aimed to design and develop a standard toolkit to increase positive attitudes and access to trustworthy information for better access and increased recruitment to vaccine trials for the public. More specifically, the produced tools are focused on inclusiveness and equity, and are targeting different population groups, including underserved ones, as potential volunteers for the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry (older individuals, migrants, children, and adolescents). The promotional and educational material is aligned with the main objectives of the Volunteer Registry to increase public literacy and awareness regarding vaccine-related clinical research or trials and trial participation, including informed consent and legal issues, side effects, and frequently asked questions regarding vaccine trial design. METHODS: Tools were developed per the aims and principles of the VACCELERATE project, focusing on trial inclusiveness and equity, and are adjusted to local country-wise requirements to improve public health communication. The produced tools are selected based on the cognitive theory, inclusiveness, and equity of differently aged and underrepresented groups, and standardized material from several official trustworthy sources (eg, COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access; the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control; the European Patients' Academy on Therapeutic Innovation; Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; and the World Health Organization). A team of multidisciplinary specialists (infectious diseases, vaccine research, medicine, and education) edited and reviewed the subtitles and scripts of the educational videos, extended brochures, interactive cards, and puzzles. Graphic designers selected the color palette, audio settings, and dubbing for the video story-tales and implemented QR codes. RESULTS: This study presents the first set of harmonized promotional and educational materials and tools (ie, educational cards, educational and promotional videos, extended brochures, flyers, posters, and puzzles) for vaccine clinical research (eg, COVID-19 vaccines). These tools inform the public about possible benefits and disadvantages of trial participation and build confidence among participants about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and the health care system. This material has been translated into several languages and is intended to be freely and easily accessible to facilitate dissemination among VACCELERATE network participant countries and the European and global scientific, industrial, and public community. CONCLUSIONS: The produced material could help fill knowledge gaps of health care personnel, providing the appropriate future patient education for vaccine trials, and tackling vaccine hesitancy and parents' concerns for potential participation of children in vaccine trials.

Dispensing of antibiotics without prescription in the metropolitan area of Athens, Greece, in 2021-Can new legislation change old habits?

Objective: To assess the effect of new legislation on the dispensing of antimicrobials without prescription from pharmacies in Greece. Design: In-person survey. Setting: The study included 110 pharmacies in the greater Athens Metropolitan area. Methods: Volunteer collaborators visited 110 pharmacies in the greater Athens Metropolitan area in December 2021 and January 2022. They asked for either ciprofloxacin or amoxicillin-clavulanate acid (6:5 ratio) without providing a prescription, without simulating symptoms, and without offering justification or insisting. Fluoroquinolones have additional dispensing restrictions in Greece. Results were compared to a 2008 study. In 2020, legislation allowed the dispensing of antibiotics from pharmacies only with an electronic prescription, overriding the 1973 forbidding the dispensing of all medications without prescriptions. Results: All pharmacists refused to dispense ciprofloxacin without a prescription. Only 1 pharmacy dispensed amoxicillin-clavulanate without a prescription. Compared to the 2008 study, dispensing of amoxicillin-clavulanate without a prescription dropped from 100% in 2008 to 1% in 2021 and dispensing ciprofloxacin without a prescription dropped from 53% in 2008 to 0% in 2021. Conclusions: A new and enforced law that requires electronic prescribing led to a dramatic reduction of antibiotic dispensing without prescription compared to 12 years ago. Similar initiatives could help solve the problem of antibiotic consumption and resistance in Greece and elsewhere.

A national study of antibiotic use in Greek pediatric hematology oncology and bone marrow transplant units.

Objective: We surveyed antimicrobials used in Greek pediatric hematology-oncology (PHO) and bone marrow transplant (BMT) units before and after an intervention involving education regarding the 2017 clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for the management of febrile neutropenia in children with cancer and hematopoietic stem-cell transplant recipients. Design: Antibiotic prescribing practices were prospectively recorded between June 2016 and November 2017. Intervention: In December 2017, baseline data feedback was provided, and CPG education was provided. Prescribing practices were followed for one more year. For antibiotic stewardship, days of therapy, and length of therapy were calculated. Setting: Five of the 6 PHO units in Greece and the single pediatric BMT unit participated. Participants: Admitted children in each unit who received the first 15 new antibiotic courses each month. Results: Administration of ≥4 antibiotics simultaneously and administration of antibiotics with overlapping activity for ≥2 days were significantly more common in PHO units in general hospitals compared to children's hospitals. Use of at least 1 antifungal was recorded in ∼47% of the patients before and after the intervention. De-escalation and/or discontinuation of antibiotics on day 6 of initial treatment increased significantly from 43% to 53.5% (P = .032). Although the number of patients requiring intensive care support for sepsis did not change, a significant drop was noted in all-cause mortality (P = .008). Conclusions: We recorded the antibiotic prescribing practices in Greek PHO and BMT units, we achieved improved prescribing with a simple intervention, and we identified areas in need of improvement.

Global Distribution, Dispersal Patterns, and Trend of Several Omicron Subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 across the Globe.

Our study aims to describe the global distribution and dispersal patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants. Genomic surveillance data were extracted from the CoV-Spectrum platform, searching for BA.1*, BA.2*, BA.3*, BA.4*, and BA.5* variants by geographic region. BA.1* increased in November 2021 in South Africa, with a similar increase across all continents in early December 2021. BA.1* did not reach 100% dominance in all continents. The spread of BA.2*, first described in South Africa, differed greatly by geographic region, in contrast to BA.1*, which followed a similar global expansion, firstly occurring in Asia and subsequently in Africa, Europe, Oceania, and North and South America. BA.4* and BA.5* followed a different pattern, where BA.4* reached high proportions (maximum 60%) only in Africa. BA.5* is currently, by Mid-August 2022, the dominant strain, reaching almost 100% across Europe, which is the first continent aside from Africa to show increasing proportions, and Asia, the Americas, and Oceania are following. The emergence of new variants depends mostly on their selective advantage, translated as enhanced transmissibility and ability to invade people with existing immunity. Describing these patterns is useful for a better understanding of the epidemiology of the VOCs' transmission and for generating hypotheses about the future of emerging variants.

The PRINCIPAL Network: A Model to Optimize Infection Care and Prevention in Pediatric Oncology in the Latin American Region.

PURPOSE: Children with cancer are at high risk for poor outcomes, and health care providers are often unfamiliar with best practices in infection care and prevention (IC&P) in this small and fragile population. Graduates of training courses in IC&P in immunocompromised hosts identified a need for a community that would enable members to share health care experiences, provide resources for continuing medical education, and foster collaborative research and quality improvement opportunities. We developed a Latin American network, Prevencionistas e Infectólogos para Cáncer Pediátrico en América Latina, to grow and sustain the expertise of the clinical workforce in IC&P. Here, we describe the network, how we built it, and its early outcomes. METHODS: We began by codesigning the mission, vision, objectives, and values. We then established the structure for leadership and network management to provide a functional uniformity and sustainability. Virtual meetings with network members and strategic in-person gatherings optimized the use of the time and resources of the network. RESULTS: The network has seen good participation by members and candidates for membership, who have provided feedback on case-based learning. Members have attended training sessions on quality improvement, research in human subjects, and IC&P in pediatric oncology at national and regional meetings and workshops. Network members have presented their work at regional and global meetings, and publications are beginning to emerge from this community. A direct effect of the Prevencionistas e Infectólogos para Cáncer Pediátrico en América Latina network has been the creation of a similar network for the Asia Pacific region, and a third network is being planned. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the power of a discipline-specific network structure to facilitate sharing of evidence-based information that enhances the quality-of-care delivery in pediatric oncology.

Hand Hygiene Compliance Rates in 9 Pediatric Intensive Care Units Across Europe: Results from the Reducing Antimicrobial use and Nosocomial Infections in Kids Network.

A unified surveillance mechanism for hand hygiene and hospital-acquired infections for pediatric wards is lacking in Europe. We managed to setup such a mechanism in 9 pediatric intensive care units in 7 European countries, using World Health Organization's definitions and common methodology which allows for benchmarking among units and countries. Median hand hygiene compliance was found high 82.3% (interquartile range 71.6-94.5%), but gaps in practices were identified.

Potential benefit from the implementation of the Kaiser Permanente neonatal early-onset sepsis calculator on clinical management of neonates with presumed sepsis.

To assess the potential benefit from the implementation of the Kaiser Permanente early-onset sepsis calculator (EOS-C), in terms of antibiotic use and requested laboratory tests, in a network of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Greece, and to determine the incidence of early-onset sepsis (EOS) in Greek NICUs, a prospective surveillance study was conducted in 7 NICUs between April 2018 and June 2019. Data were collected for all newborns ≥ 34 weeks' gestation receiving empiric antibiotic therapy within the first 3 days of life. The number of live births and positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid cultures within the first 3 days of life were used for calculation of EOS incidence. Evaluation of possible impact of implementing the calculator was done by comparing the clinicians' recorded management to the calculator's suggested course of action. The unit-specific incidence of culture-proven EOS ranged between 0 and 2.99/1000 live births. The weighted incidence rate for all 7 units was 1.8/1000 live births. Management of EOS guided by the calculator could lead to a reduction of empiric antibiotic initiation up to 100% for the group of "well-appearing" neonates and 86% for "equivocal," lowering exposure to antibiotics by 4.2 and 3.8 days per neonate, respectively. Laboratory tests for blood cultures drawn could be reduced by up to 100% and 68%, respectively. Sensitivity of the EOS-C in identifying neonates with positive blood cultures was high.Conclusion: Management strategies based on the Kaiser Permanente neonatal sepsis calculator may significantly reduce antibiotic exposure, invasive diagnostic procedures, and hospitalizations in late preterm and term neonates. What is Known: • Neonates are frequently exposed to antibiotics for presumed EOS. • The Kaiser Permanente sepsis calculator can reduce antibiotic exposure in neonates.. What is New: • EOS calculator can be an effective antibiotic stewardship tool in a high prescribing country and can reduce invasive diagnostic procedures and mother-baby separation. • Incidence of EOS in Greece is higher compared to other European countries.

Πρόληψη της μικροβιακής αντοχής και προώθηση της ορθολογικής χρήσης αντιμικροβιακών ουσιών στα νοσοκομεία στην Ελλάδα : EVIPNet σύνοψη ερευνητικών δεδομένων, Νούμερο 10

Η παρούσα έκθεση αποτελεί την πρώτη σύνοψη ερευνητικών δεδομένων (Evidence Policy Brief-EBP) που συντάσσεται στην Ελλάδα στο πλαίσιο του World Health Organization (WHO) Evidence-Ιnformed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe. Αναπτύχθηκε από τον Εθνικό Οργανισμό Δημόσιας Υγείας (ΕΟΔΥ), τον Οργανισμό Διασφάλισης Ποιότητας στην Υγεία Α.Ε. (ΟΔΙΠΥ) και το Κέντρο Κλινικής Επιδημιολογίας και Έκβασης Νοσημάτων (CLEO). Αυτό το EBP αποτελεί ένα εργαλείο δράσης βασισμένο σε ερευνητικά δεδομένα και έχει ως σκοπό την αντιμετώπιση των ακόλουθων σημαντικών προβλημάτων που αφορούν την παρεχόμενη φροντίδα υγείας: α. τα υψηλότερα από τον μέσο όρο της Ευρωπαϊκης Ένωσης ποσοστά μικροβιακής αντοχής (ΜΑ) των νοσοκομειακών παθογόνων, β. τον υψηλό επιπολασμό των λοιμώξεων που σχετίζονται με την φροντίδα υγείας (Healthcare Associated Infections-HAIs), και γ. την υψηλή κατανάλωση προωθημένων αντιμικροβιακών παραγόντων στα νοσοκομεία. Η ομάδα εργασίας καθόρισε το σκοπό της συστηματικής βιβλιογραφικής ανασκόπηση, διενήργησε την κριτική αξιολόγηση και τον έλεγχο των επιλεγμένων επιστημονικών άρθρων και πραγματοποίησε σειρά συναντήσεων με βασικούς συναρμόδιους φορείς στον τομέα της νοσοκομειακής περίθαλψης και της διοίκησης μονάδων υγείας. Τα δεδομένα, οι πληροφορίες και οι γνώσεις που προέκυψαν κατά τη βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση, χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για τη διαμόρφωση τριών προσεγγίσεων, οι οποίες μπορούν να εφαρμοστούν μεμονωμένα ή σε συνδυασμό για την αντιμετώπιση της αυξανόμενης ΜΑ και της υψηλής επίπτωσης των λοιμώξεων που σχετίζονται με την φροντίδα υγείας, στα ελληνικάνοσοκομεία. Οι προτεινόμενες προσεγγίσεις αφορούν: (1) τη δημιουργία ενός διασυνδεδεμένου ηλεκτρονικού συστήματος επιτήρησης της μικροβιακής αντοχής στα νοσοκομεία, (2) την εφαρμογή προγραμμάτων επιμελητείας (ορθολογικής χρήσης) αντιμικροβιακών και πρόληψης & ελέγχου λοιμώξεων σε όλα τα νοσοκομεία και (3) την εφαρμογή εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων για τους επαγγελματίες υγείας σχετικά με την ορθολογική χρήση αντιμικροβιακών και τον έλεγχο των λοιμώξεων στο νοσοκομειακό περιβάλλον.

Preventing antimicrobial resistance and promoting appropriate antimicrobial use in inpatient health care in Greece: EVIPNet evidence brief for policy, number 10

The present Evidence Brief for Policy (EBP) drawn up in Greece within the framework of the WHO European Evidence-informed Policy Network was prepared by the National Public Health Organization, the Center for Clinical Epidemiology & Outcomes Research (CLEO), The Agency for Quality Assurance in Health S.A. and the WHO Country Office in Greece. This EBP was produced as a research-derived actionable tool, with a view to addressing the following pressing problems in hospital healthcare: a. the higher-than-EU-average rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in hospital-acquired pathogens, b. the high prevalence of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), and c. the high consumption of advanced antimicrobials in hospitals. The working group defined the scope of the literature research, conducted a critical appraisal and review of the selected evidence, and carried out a series of meetings with key stakeholders in the field of clinical healthcare and health administration. The derived data, information and insights were used for the formulation of three options, that may be implemented in isolation or in conjunction to address the rising AMR and high incidence of HAIs in Greek hospitals. The proposed options pertain to: (1) Establishing an interconnected electronic AMR surveillance system in hospitals; (2) Establishing antimicrobial stewardship and IPC programmes in all hospitals; and (3) Implementing post-graduate educational programs for healthcare workers on prudent antimicrobial use and infection control in the hospital setting.

Reducing Duration of Antibiotic Use for Presumed Neonatal Early-Onset Sepsis in Greek NICUs. A "Low-Hanging Fruit" Approach.

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), where stewardship interventions are challenging. Lowering antibiotic consumption is desperately needed in Greece, a country with high antibiotic resistance rates. We sought to assess the effectiveness of a low-cost and -resource intervention to reduce antibiotic use in Greek NICUs implementing a "low-hanging fruit" approach. A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted in 15/17 public NICUs in Greece (9/2016-06/2019). The intervention selected was discontinuation of antibiotics within 5 days for neonates with gestational age ≥ 37 weeks, no documented signs or symptoms of sepsis, CRP ≤ 10 mg/L and negative cultures within 3 days of antibiotic initiation. Impact was evaluated by the percentage of discontinued regimens by day 5, length of therapy (LOT) and stay. Trends of antibiotic consumption were assessed with days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient-days. Overall, there was a 9% increase (p = 0.003) of antibiotic discontinuation in ≤5 days. In total, 7/13 (53.8%) units showed a ≥10% increase. Overall, 615 days on antibiotics per 1000 patients were saved. Interrupted time-series analysis established a declining trend in DOT/1000 patient-days relative to the pre-intervention trend (p = 0.002); a monthly decrease rate of 28.96 DOT/1000 patient-days (p = 0.001, 95%CI [-45.33, -12.60]). The intervention had no impact on antibiotic choice. Antibiotic use was successfully reduced in Greek NICUs using a "low-hanging fruit" approach. In resource-limited settings, similar targeted stewardship interventions can be applied.

Willingness of Greek general population to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data indicate that a large part of population needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. Hence, it is of high importance for public health officials to know whether people are going to get vaccinated for COVID-19. The objective of the present study was to examine the willingness of adult residents in Greece to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS: A cross-sectional was survey conducted among the adult general population of Greece between April 28, 2020 to May 03, 2020 (last week of lockdown), using a mixed methodology for data collection: Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) and Computer Assisted web Interviewing (CAWI). Using a sample size calculator, the target sample size was found to be around 1000 respondents. To ensure a nationally representative sample of the urban/rural population according to the Greek census 2011, a proportionate stratified by region systematic sampling procedure was used to recruit particpants. Data collection was guided through a structured questionnaire. Regarding willingness to COVID-19 vaccination, participants were asked to answer the following question: "If there was a vaccine available for the novel coronavirus, would you do it?" RESULTS: Of 1004 respondents only 57.7% stated that they are going to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Respondents aged > 65 years old, those who either themselves or a member of their household belonged to a vulnerable group, those believing that the COVID-19 virus was not developed in laboratories by humans, those believing that coronavirus is far more contagious and lethal compared to the H1N1 virus, and those believing that next waves are coming were statistically significantly more likely to be willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Higher knowledge score regarding symptoms, transmission routes and prevention and control measures against COVID-19 was significantly associated with higher willingness of respondents to get vaccinated. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of individuals in the general population are unwilling to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, stressing the need for public health officials to take immediate awareness-raising measures.