The Infectious Diseases Department at Hospital Clínic Barcelona has received certification for humanisation in the care of people with severe bacterial infection, becoming the first hospital in Spain to obtain this recognition.
This certification was awarded by Fundación Humans, as part of the HUMANIZAcción project supported by Angelini Pharma, which recognises the hospital’s commitment and efforts to implement a comprehensive, person-centred care model. The project promotes active participation of patients and their families, improved clinical communication and attention to the emotional and social aspects of illness.
Dr. Álex Soriano, Head of the Infectious Diseases Department at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, expressed his deep gratitude to the team that made this humanisation initiative possible, which goes beyond the technical to focus on the personal support of the patient. He also highlighted the pride it brings to the Department to have been an active part of a project that puts the person at the centre of healthcare.
“With this certification, we recognise the work of Hospital Clínic, an organisation committed to excellence, science and now the most human dimension of care from specific departments. Moreover, we celebrate a cultural transformation, marking a clear path towards a care model where humanisation is not an add-on, but an essential condition to offer quality healthcare with rigour, commitment and evidence,” says Almudena Santano, Secretary of the Fundación Humans Board.
Moving towards more human care
The development of HUMANIZAcción responds to a healthcare context in which severe bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represent a major public health challenge. According to a study published in The Lancet, in 2021, 4.71 million deaths were associated with AMR and it is estimated that by 2050, between 1 and 91 million deaths worldwide could be attributable to AMR and between 8 and 22 million deaths associated with AMR.
This situation means that, in many cases, immediacy and precision in anti-infective treatment are the basis of the healthcare provided to the patient. HUMANIZAcción aims to promote a more human and comprehensive approach to the care of people with severe bacterial infection. The initiative seeks to facilitate cultural transformation in hospital services, placing the needs, values and expectations of the patient at the centre of healthcare.
“At Angelini Pharma, we continue to support humanisation projects that help improve the experience of patients, families and professionals during their hospital stay. Our commitment is reflected in initiatives such as HUMANIZAcción, which promote more patient-centred care, leading to a more satisfactory recovery,” said Daniel Pérez, Medical Director of Angelini Pharma Spain. “Hospital Clínic Barcelona has demonstrated with this achievement its firm commitment to person-centred care, becoming a benchmark for other centres in the healthcare system,” he added.
The HUMANIZAcción report, endorsed by the Sociedad Española de Directivos de la Salud (SEDISA), the Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria (SEFH) and with the scientific sponsorship of the Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC), sets quality standards aimed at improving the information and training of healthcare professionals, promoting active participation of patients and their families in health decision-making, comprehensive attention to the emotional, social and psychosocial aspects that impact the patient experience, and implementing measures to reduce the stigma associated with severe bacterial infections.
