Post-Pandemic Nosocomial Defense: A Systematic Review of Nursing-Led Multimodal Strategies for Sustainable Infection Prevention
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic critically exposed and exacerbated vulnerabilities in global healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention infrastructures. While infection control is multidisciplinary, nursing, as the constant bedside presence, holds a pivotal and evolving role in the execution and sustainability of fundamental and advanced preventive measures. Aim: This narrative review synthesizes current evidence (2015-2024) on effective, nursing-integrated strategies to reduce HAI rates in the post-pandemic context, focusing on multimodal, systems-oriented approaches. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases was conducted for English-language literature. Studies evaluating nursing interventions, education models, technological aids, and organizational support structures impacting HAI metrics (e.g., CLABSI, CAUTI, SSI, MRSA) were thematically analyzed. Results: Evidence strongly supports the efficacy of nurse-driven protocols, competency-based education augmented by simulation, and strategic technological integration (e.g., electronic hand hygiene monitoring, clinical decision support). Crucially, success was dependent on foundational elements: sustained nurse staffing and well-being, a just culture of safety, and authentic interdisciplinary collaboration. Post-pandemic, strategies emphasizing antimicrobial stewardship roles for nurses and resilience-building are paramount. Conclusion: Moving beyond crisis-mode response, sustainable infection reduction requires empowering nurses through systemic support, education, and technology. The future lies in embedding robust, nurse-led preventive practices into the fabric of standard care, transforming lessons from the pandemic into durable defense mechanisms against HAIs.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Elham Nasser Ahmad Hadi, Jameelah Ebrahim Mohammad Ayoub, Zahra Yehia Hadi Abumerai, Fawziah Ahmed Ahmed Jafari, Ohoud Abdullah Mohammed Omeesh, Halimah Mohmmed Bashir, Hanaa Bhees Ali Bhees, Nawal Mohammad Abdullah Basher, Badriah Gassem Hakam, Shagra Jubran Mohammed Abuallh, Nagwa Abduljbar Ali, Ishraq Atia Muhammed Jarab, Fauzea Mohammad Abuhadi, Amna Ahmed Salem, Nawal Ahmed Ayashi
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