Prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection in Europe: a review of patients' perspectives and existing differences

European healthcare systems are under increasing pressure owing to demographic change, the upsurge of chronic diseases, and declining budgets. Yet the increasing threat posed by antimicrobial resistance calls for better surveillance, prevention and control of infection. Moreover, the increasing emphasis on cross-border mobility calls for better integration of these activities across Europe. This paper reviews European initiatives to achieve these goals and to increase patient involvement in healthcare safety at political and institutional levels.