We may introduce: Our Secretary General Johannes Culen

When we founded the Semmelweis Foundation in 2012 out of a private commitment, who would have thought that it would one day become a recognized association, with partners and collaborations throughout the entire CEE region. Much has already happened since our foundation, but further efforts are still needed to achieve our ambitious goals in the future.

Hand hygiene compliance is the key in neonatology units: General Hospital Vienna relies on modern technology for performance feedback

On a global scale, infections are the third leading cause of neonatal mortality. Therefore, a focus on careful hand hygiene practice plays a valuable part in infection prevention strategy, especially at the newborn ward. In the neonatology unit of the General Hospital Vienna/Medical University Vienna, an evidence-based, AI-enhanced quality assurance system provides immediate visual feedback […]

Negotiating Truth – Viennese research project is based on Semmelweis

The phrase “negotiating truth” was originally suggested as a conceptual label for a research project analyzing the role of emotions in the public discourse on science and scientific discoveries (funded by the Hertha Firnberg Program /FWF Austrian Science Fund, 2012 – 2018). A project at the University of Vienna connected it with the thoughts and findings of […]

Surveillance in public health

According to World Health Organization, WHO, public health surveillance is the continuous, systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of health-related data which is needed for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. Rapid technological progress and social development in a globalised world can create new health risks. For example, natural catastrophes or the emergence […]

Wound infections after surgery: Which bundle of measures are effective?

At the end of 2019, the roundtable on “Wound infections after surgery: Which bundle of measures are effective?” of the “Initative Sicherheit im OP” (Initiative for Safety in the Operating Room) took place in Vienna. At the round table, which was organised jointly with the “Plattform Patientensicherheit” (Patient Safety Platform), experts from various disciplines and […]

Welcome to ICPIC Presentation

ICPIC 2019 – An exciting pile of information

Again, the 5th annual International Conference on Prevention & Infection Control offered a wide range of lectures. About 1,000 participants from all over the world took the opportunity for exchange and further education on topics such as “Social aspects in infection control implementation” or “Outbreaks and late breakers”. One lecture offered the chance to compare […]

The nursing profession needs to be strengthened continuously

Michael Magnus Wagner is academic teacher of nursing and nursing scientist in Austria (Academy of continuing education in nursing-Vienna Hospital Association). Coincidentally, his office is housed in the former gynecology – a few steps away from the Semmelweis memorial. He often catches sight of the monument, which underpins his conviction that the nursing profession needs […]

Patient empowerment in infection prevention: We all desire simple cooking recipe solutions – but they simply do not exist

Healthcare germs are posing an ever-increasing hazard. Measures to control and prevent their transmission to patients are primarily concentrated on the medical staff today. However, the idea of involving the patient into preventive safety activities such as adhering to certain rules is increasing. “Regretfully, the matter is more complex than assumed”, says Ojan Assadian, President […]

Keeping it sanitary – from Semmelweis’ time until today

The Swiss expert Prof. Dr. Didier Pittet stressed the substantial meaning of hand hygiene in hospitals once again at the third CEE Conference on Hospital Hygiene and Patient Safety. Not paying attention to the field of hospital hygiene can lead to disastrous impacts. Prof. Dr. Didier Pittet, Director of the Infection Control Programme and WHO […]

The WHO guidelines are clear – we just have to implement them!

“I wish that we soon do not need the Hand Hygiene Day anymore“- This was one of the audience’s statements at the symposium on the occasion of the International Hand Hygiene Day (5th May). Although there are a lot of enthusiasts, we are still far away from achieving this goal. The symposium, hosted by the […]