A Guide for Healthcare Workers for Implementation of Infection Control Measures

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant threat to patient safety, with hand hygiene adherence, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) being critical areas of concern. Despite the recognized importance of infection prevention and control measures, adherence to best practices remains suboptimal. This review explores the application of human factors engineering (HFE) principles to address these challenges. HFE offers a sociotechnical systems perspective that considers the complex interplay between individuals, tasks, technologies, and organizational factors influencing healthcare delivery. Regarding hand hygiene, HFE insights can guide the strategic placement of hand sanitizer dispensers, improve the usability of dispensers, and optimize workflows to facilitate adherence. For PPE, HFE can inform the design of intuitive donning and doffing procedures, enhance PPE comfort and compatibility, and identify barriers to compliance. HFE principles have also been successfully applied to reduce CLABSI rates through the development of a standardized central line maintenance kit that promotes adherence to best practices. Future research should explore the integration of advanced technologies, such as real-time monitoring systems and interactive training tools, to further enhance infection prevention efforts. Ultimately, a holistic HFE approach that addresses both technical and organizational aspects is essential for achieving sustainable improvements in infection control practices and patient safety outcomes.