Infection prevention and control research priorities: what do we need to combat healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance? Results of a narrative literature review and survey analysis

Abstract

Background Infection prevention and control (IPC) is one of the most cost-effective interventions against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Yet, IPC knowledge gaps often receive little prominence in AMR research agendas. In this article, we construct IPC research priorities, in order to draw attention to these critical research needs. Methods We developed a 4-step framework to identify IPC knowledge gaps from literature (narrative review). These gaps were then translated into research priorities and sent to two groups of European IPC experts for validation and critique through an online survey. Results Seventy-nine publications were retrieved from the literature review, identifying fifteen IPC research gaps. Forty-four IPC experts, clustered in two groups, vetted them. The experts classified all research gaps as medium or high priority. Overall agreement between both groups was average (Kendall’s τ = 0.43), with strong alignment on the highest priorities: (i) the assessment of organizational, socio-economic, and behavioural barriers/facilitators for the implementation of IPC programmes, (ii) the impact of overcrowding on the spread of infections and (iii) the impact of infrastructural changes, at facility level, on the reduction of infections. Feedback from experts also identified an additional research gap on the interaction between the human and hospital microbiomes. Conclusions We formulated a list of sixteen research priorities and identified three urgent needs. Now, we encourage researchers, funding agencies, policymakers and relevant stakeholders to start addressing the identified gaps.

Forward Action Plan for adherence to Infection Prevention And Control to Health Care Workers During Care For Suspected or Confirmed Covid-19 Patients

“…Infection prevention and control priorities include four main items: 1) rapid identification of suspected cases through testing at the initial counter between patients and HCWs and application of infection control measures 2) immediate isolation and referral for testing by grouping patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 separately and discontinuing isolation for those clinically improved patients who test negative by PCR; 3) safe clinical management and immediate identification of inpatients and HCWs with suspected COVID-19; and finally 4) adherence to IPC practice with appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Lacotte et al, 2020).Infection prevention practices and control are critical activities that influence the quality of health care services. The present study aimed to assess measures adopted by healthcare institutions whenever a COVID-19 case was suspected or confirmed.…”

Translation and Validation of the Hungarian Version of the Infection Control Standardized Questionnaire: A Cross-sectional Study

“…The second part involved 25 true/false questions regarding nurses' awareness of three IPC topics: HAIs ( ve questions), HH (eight questions), and SPs (12 questions). The response to each question was coded and counted as not aware (0) and aware (1), where a maximum score of 25 was achievable for those who answered 25 correct questions. Additionally, an acceptable awareness score was set at 70% for each IPC topic as well as the total IPC awareness as per the original questionnaire (12).…”

Classical and alternative disinfection strategies to control the COVID-19 virus in healthcare facilities: a review

“…Figure 1 b–g presents the most common situations during which transmission may occur via airborne or surface-mediated processes. The magnitude of virus transmission is controlled by environmental factors such as indoor or outdoor, ventilation, humidity, wind, temperature, density of population, and infectiousness of the infected person (Lacotte et al 2020 ; Paital et al 2020 ; Sharma et al 2020 ).

Fig.

…”