Comprehensive Review of the Importance of Infection Control in Hospitals: Safeguarding Patients, Staff, and Healthcare Systems

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide, elevating operational costs, patient morbidity, and mortality. Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are critical in reducing the incidence and transmission of HAIs within clinical environments. This review highlights the pivotal role of hospital infection control in ensuring patient safety, improving healthcare quality, and strengthening the resilience of healthcare systems globally. Key preventive measures such as hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, environmental sanitation, screening, isolation, education, training, sterilization, disinfection, surveillance, reporting, and vaccination are discussed. The review also explores the role of healthcare workers, particularly nurses, in implementing evidence-based IPC practices and fostering a culture of safety. Technological advancements, including ultraviolet disinfection systems, electronic hand hygiene monitoring, antimicrobial surfaces, advanced air filtration systems, and electronic patient monitoring, have transformed infection control strategies. However, challenges in implementing effective hospital infection control persist, including resistance to change, resource constraints, high patient turnover, and the need for tailored IPC protocols. The roles of pharmacists, laboratory technicians, and social workers in infection control are also examined, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in preventing and managing infectious diseases within healthcare settings.