This is the third event in a series of workshops dedicated to combating antibiotic resistance, aimed at strengthening the role of medical personnel in the fight against one of the greatest threats to global health. The event brought together more than 300 Ukrainian healthcare professionals who joined the discussion on practical approaches, tools, and solutions in the field of AMR.

Watch the recording of the webinar.

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AMR: Global Challenge and the Key Role of Nursing Staff

Representatives of ReAct, a global network that has been working for 20 years to combat antibiotic resistance across four continents, emphasized that mid-level medical staff are the “first line of defense” in infection prevention and control. There are 29.8 million nursing professionals worldwide, and their daily work directly influences the quality of care, patient safety, and the spread of infections.

The speakers pointed out that the nursing staff are the first to notice changes in a patient's condition, monitor vital signs, coordinate care, educate patients, and ensure adherence to hygiene standards. These actions are crucial for preventing infections and promoting the rational use of antibiotics, both in hospitals and within the broader public health system.

During the workshop, the speakers discussed practical tools that nurses can use to genuinely help slow the development of resistance and implement effective antimicrobial stewardship practices in their facilities.

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Swedish Initiative “Antibiotic Smart Nurse”: A Model that Works

A significant part of the workshop was devoted to the Swedish “Antibiotic Smart Nurse” model, presented by Carl Fridolfsson, coordinator of the national Strama program and a specialist in infection prevention and control. He shared practical experience from the Jönköping region, where effective collaboration among healthcare professionals has led to significantly lower rates of hospital-acquired infections than the European average.

Carl Fridolfsson explained that the success of the Swedish model relies on systematic teamwork and the active involvement of nurses in every stage of antibiotic therapy – from selecting microbiological samples to monitoring patients’ adherence to prescribed medications. In this approach, no detail is too small: hand hygiene, short sleeves, proper glove use, adherence to injection protocols, daily patient assessments, and regular discussions of culture test results with doctors – every action contributes to the outcome.

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Practical Tools for the Daily Work of Ukrainian Nursing Staff

Workshop participants learned the tools that can be applied in Ukrainian healthcare facilities, regardless of their level or specialty. One such tool is the Green Cross method, which involves a brief daily meeting during which the team reviews any cases of risk or harm to patients that occurred during the day. This approach helps identify problems early and prevent more serious incidents.

Another important tool introduced was the “HCAI Wednesday” – a weekly discussion on nosocomial infections that helps teams consistently improve their practices.

A 12-month “Hygiene Ambassador Cycle” was also presented, which focuses each month on a specific area of infection safety, ranging from hand hygiene to the onboarding of new employees.

In the practical section, considerable attention was given to correctly assessing infection risks, including the use of Strama algorithms. These tools enable nurses to identify signs of serious conditions not only through vital signs but also by monitoring factors such as urine output, skin condition, and the patient’s social circumstances.

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Rational Antibiotic Use: Key Principles

One of the main topics of the workshop was the rational use of antibiotics. The speakers emphasized the importance of collecting microbiological cultures before starting treatment, as this enables the selection of the most effective medication, avoids “blind” therapy, and minimizes the risk of developing resistance.

Special attention was given to the fact that antibiotics are not always necessary, as they often have no effect on colds, most cases of sinusitis, coughs, or mild sore throats. At the same time, in cases of pneumonia, sepsis, or meningitis, timely administration of antibiotics can be life-saving. It is crucial for nurses to accurately assess the patient’s condition and act promptly.

The practical section also covered the topic of how to correctly prepare antibiotics, administer them at the prescribed times, follow safe handling procedures, and determine whether it is appropriate to crush pills, since doing so can sometimes reduce their effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects.

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Conclusions: Nursing Staff Are Key to Successfully Combating AMR

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Sweden’s experience demonstrates that when every team member takes responsibility for their actions and nurses can actively participate in decision-making, it leads to a significant reduction in infection rates and promotes the rational use of antibiotics. This approach ensures patient safety today while also helping to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.

ReAct is one of the most prominent global networks addressing antibiotic resistance since 2005. The network operates on four continents and combines scientific, educational, and policy-related activities. ReAct contributes to the development of global policies, collaborates with the WHO, governments, and leading universities worldwide, and is a leader in promoting innovative solutions for the rational use of antibiotics and the fight against resistant infections.

For several years, ZDOROVI has been intensifying its focus on continuous medical development and infection control. The issuance of more than 26,000 CPD certificates and the participation of over 2,200 doctors in support programs highlight the systematic approach and scale of the organization’s efforts. The joint webinar with ReAct is part of a broader series of educational events aimed at expanding the knowledge of Ukrainian medical professionals, enhancing their ability to respond to challenges, and integrating best international practices into Ukrainian healthcare.