Assessing prevalence of antimicrobial use and infections using the minimal data set in Finnish long-term care facilities.

Of all residents (n = 12,784) for whom a minimum data set 2.0 form was completed in long-term care facilities (n = 253) using a Resident Assessment Instrument in April and September 2011 in Finland, 16% received antimicrobials, most commonly methenamine (42%) and trimethoprim (24%). The prevalence of urinary tract infections was 8%, wound infection 2%, and pneumonia 2%.

Reduction in inappropriate prevention of urinary tract infections in long-term care facilities.

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common diagnosis made in prescribing antimicrobials in long-term care facilities (LTCF). The diagnostic criteria for UTI vary among institutions and prescribers. Our aim was to reduce the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in LTCFs.

Should hepatitis B vaccination be introduced into childhood immunisation programmes in northern Europe?

Infection with hepatitis B causes between 500,000 and 1.2 million deaths per year worldwide, and is the leading cause of liver cancer. Over 12 years ago, WHO recommended that universal childhood hepatitis B vaccination be implemented globally.