CURRENT PRACTICES AND EVIDENCE IN HOSPITAL INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Author Name: 1. Subhash Sharma 2. Misbah Moin 3. Dr. Anil Kumar Mavliya 4. Prof. (Dr.) R. K. Saini 5.Suhashini

Volume/Issue: 06/01

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/06.2025-11195425/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Associate Professor, Govt College of Nursing GSVM Medical College Campus Kanpur, UP, India.
2. Nursing Tutor, College of Nursing, AMU, Aligarh, UP, India.
3. Professor, NIMS Nursing College, NIMS University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
4. Principal, NIMS Nursing College, NIMS University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
5. Assistant Lecturer, H.K.E.S College of Nursing, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India.

ABSTRACT

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) represent a significant challenge to patient safety and public health worldwide, contributing to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and preventable deaths. This comprehensive review explores the current practices and evidence-based strategies in infection prevention and control (IPC) within hospital settings, with a particular emphasis on nursing roles, standard precautions, and institutional frameworks. It examines the core components of IPC—such as hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), environmental sanitation, and isolation protocols—and evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of guidelines from global authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The review highlights the pivotal role of nurses as frontline defenders in infection control, including their responsibilities in monitoring compliance, educating patients and staff, and participating in infection surveillance activities. In addition, it discusses the growing importance of antimicrobial stewardship programs, digital technologies, and surveillance systems in reducing infection rates and improving outcomes. Despite widespread awareness, numerous challenges persist, including inadequate staffing, poor infrastructure, inconsistent adherence to protocols, and lack of ongoing education. The review analyzes current evidence from international studies and best practices, demonstrating that a combination of organizational commitment, continuous staff training, and evidence-based interventions significantly reduces HAIs. Finally, it offers recommendations for future directions, including the adoption of emerging technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the strengthening of institutional policies. The findings underscore the necessity for sustained efforts, policy support, and a culture of safety to ensure effective infection control in hospitals and protect both patients and healthcare workers.

Key words: Hospital Infection Prevention, Infection Control, Evidence-Based Practice, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Antimicrobial Resistance