Institutional Policy and Coordination

Alrubaiee, G. G., Baharom, A., Faisal, I., Shahar, H. K., Daud, S. M., & Basaleem, H. O. (2021). Implementation of an educational module on nosocomial infection control measures: a randomised hospital-based trial. BioMedical Nursing, 20(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00551-0

The article addresses the policies set in place in hospitals to manage and prevent hospital-acquired infections. According to the article at least 1.4 million people are infected yearly with HAIs around the globe. Nurses are at the forefront of any health organization with the task of managing these cases. The article highlights that some organizations have come up with educational programs to further educate nurses on safety guidelines and measures to prevent form HAIs. The study showed that these educational programs were effective once implemented. This resource can be used by nurses to set up similar educational programs to educate themselves on the safety measures surrounding HAIs.

Harun, Md. G. D., Anwar, M. M. U., Sumon, S. A., Hassan, Md. Z., Mohona, T. M., Rahman, A., Abdullah, S. A. H. M., Islam, M. S., Kaydos-Daniels, S. C., & Styczynski, A. R. (2022). Rationale and guidance for strengthening infection prevention and control measures and antimicrobial stewardship programs in Bangladesh: A study protocol. BioMedical Health Services Research, 22(1), 1239. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08603-0

The article discusses the need to have strong infection prevention control (IPC) guidelines as well as effective antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) in hospitals. A case is given of a hospital in Bangladesh that lacks crucial amenities such as functioning washrooms, sinks with running water, and poor sanitation. A lack of effective protocols has led to the rise of HAIs in such a setting putting a huge number of patients at a high risk. The article highlights that among the new protocols to be made, antibiotic therapy should be considered as a counter to microbial infections. Nurses can use this resource to learn more about drug-resistant bacteria and how they pose a risk to patients admitted to hospitals. Similarly, nurses can be encouraged to further advocate for hospital policies that support antimicrobial stewardship.

Lengerke, T. von, Tomsic, I., Krosta, K. M. E., Ebadi, E., Keil, V., Buchta, F., Luz, J. K., Schaumburg, T., Kolbe-Busch, S., & Chaberny, I. F. (2023). Tailoring implementation interventions of different order in infection prevention and control: A cascadic logic model (IPC-CASCADE). Frontiers in Health Services, 2(1), 960854. https://doi.org/10.3389/frhs.2022.960854

The article highlights the presence of two groups connected with ensuring that effective infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines are implemented. The two groups are healthcare workers directly involved in patient care ("frontline") and IPC professionals who support these workers ("implementation support practitioners"). According to the article, there is an existing gap between the two when formulating safety policies. To address the gaps a cascadic logic model (IPC-CASCADE) has been proposed. The model will be helpful in distinguishing between priority interventions and those directed toward the IPC professionals. Nurse can use this resource to solve the same conflicts in their organization. Using this resource, they can be able to highlight the priority prevention strategies that need to be addressed.

Lowe, H., Woodd, S., Lange, I. L., Janjanin, S., Barnett, J., & Graham, W. (2021). Challenges and opportunities for infection prevention and control in hospitals in conflict-affected settings: A qualitative study. Conflict and Health, 15(1), 94. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-021-00428-8

This article discusses the present barriers to effective infection prevention and control. According to the article lack of infrastructure, poor management and a shortage of resources are some of the factors hindering IPC application. Some hospitals have poorly maintained buildings, lack ample running water, and are overcrowded. Similarly, there is a clear leadership as there is no collaboration between health leaders and professionals who are required to implement the IPCs. The article highlights the need for such barriers to be addressed through a collaborative effort and involvement of the government in offering guidance. Nurses can use this resource as an encouragement for a much-needed collaborative effort in implementing IPCS.