The 1st International 2nd National Healthcare-Associated Infections Congress was held hosted by Üsküdar University, in cooperation with the International Sterilization Surgical Infection Nurses Association (USCEHDER) and NPİSTANBUL Hospital. This year's theme for the three-day congress was determined as ‘Stir the winds of change’.
The 1st International 2nd National Healthcare-Associated Infections Congress was held at the Ibn-i Sina Auditorium of Üsküdar University NP Health Campus.
The theme of the congress, organized with the contributions of USCEHDER and NPİSTANBUL Hospital, was determined as ‘Stir the winds of change'.
The three-day congress was held with international participation this year.
The opening speeches of the congress were delivered by Muhdedir Caner, Chairman of the Board of USCEHDER and Congress President, Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, and Prof. Dr. Selma Doğan, Head of the Nursing Department.
Muhdedir Caner: “We highlighted the key points in the field”
Muhdedir Caner, Chairman of the Board of USCEHDER, stating that infections have a great impact today, said; “Healthcare-associated infections are currently among the primary factors directly affecting patient care quality and service quality in hospitals. When we founded our association, we established it with our colleagues under this umbrella, encompassing surgical aspects, operating theaters, sterilization, and infection control in all of them. We highlighted the key points in the field. When deciding on a scientific event, we conduct serious survey studies in the field. What do our colleagues want? If there is a problem in the field, they wish for it to be discussed and for their voices to be heard. We have not overlooked this in our scientific activities so far. I hope this congress will be productive. I believe that when we return to the field, if there is a faulty practice, actions will be taken to correct that practice based on what was discussed here. If such an action takes place, our scientific activity will have gained real meaning.”
Prof. Dr. Selma Doğan: “Nurses constitute more than half of the healthcare system worldwide”
Prof. Dr. Selma Doğan, Head of the Nursing Department at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, stated that infection plays a role in patients receiving additional treatment in the hospital; “Hospital infections, as known, are a very important and current issue, an important matter that despite all precautions, never falls off the agenda as a problem. They cause high hospital admissions, prolonged hospital stays, patients receiving additional treatments, and consequently, very high costs. I thank you for organizing a meeting on this topic. Statistically, among other infections, hospital infections are stated to be 15-16 percent in the general population, and this rate increases up to 25 percent in intensive care units. Of course, hospital infections are preventable infections. We know that these problems need to be addressed systematically. Nurses constitute more than half of the healthcare system worldwide, and in our country, nearly half consists of nurses. Especially in inpatient units, nurses have great responsibilities due to their direct and intense contact with patients. Therefore, I believe that no matter how hard we work on this issue, it is not enough.”
Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “They must be educated, supervised, and controlled”
Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, emphasizing how effective even handwashing is in infection; “One wishes there were no health-related infections, but such a concept does not exist. If there is work somewhere, there will undoubtedly be problems. The important thing here is to pay attention to the distinction between complication and malpractice. No matter how much attention and care we show, undesirable situations will arise. Minimizing these should be our primary goal within current knowledge. We must avoid situations arising from lack of care and knowledge. We generally see health-related diseases in 3 groups; some are groups applying to the emergency department, some are internal infections, and some are surgical infections. We particularly experience many problems with infection in emergency interventions. I believe that preventing this is also a culture. We know how important even a simple handwash is. Acquiring this habit is not very easy; I believe in continuity here. They must be educated, supervised, and controlled. When we do these, I believe that such problems will be less.” he stated.
The speakers at this year's congress delivered their presentations under the titles: “Healthcare-Associated Infections”, “Pressure Ulcers and Infection Control”, “National Infection Control Precaution Packages”, “Infection Control Measures in Specialized Units”, “Operating Room Nursing and Infection Control”, “Intensive Care Nursing and Infection Control”, “Infection Control in Hospital Support Services”, “Infection Control in Oral and Dental Health Centers”, “Sterilization and Disinfection Practices”, “Patient Safety”, “Technology and Infection Control”, and “Disasters and Management”.
The congress concluded with plaque presentations and a group photo session following the presentations.
