Effectiveness of Infection Prevention and Control Interventions in Healthcare Facilities in Africa: A Systematic Review
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are a major threat to patient safety and quality care. However, they are avoidable by implementing evidence-based infection prevention and control measures. This review evaluated the evidence of the effectiveness of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) interventions in reducing rates of HAIs in healthcare settings in Africa.
METHOD
We searched several databases: CENTRAL, EMBASE, PUBMED, CINAHL, WHO IRIS and AJOL for primary studies reporting rates of the four most frequent HAIs: surgical site infections, central line-associated blood stream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumoniae and increase in hand hygiene compliance. Two reviewers appraised the studies and PRISMA guidelines were followed.
RESULTS
Out of 4,624 studies identified from databases and additional sources, 15 studies were finally included in the review. Majority of studies were of pre and post-test study design. All the studies implemented a combination of interventions and not as stand-alone components. Across all included studies, an improvement was reported in at least one primary outcome.
CONCLUSION
Our review highlights the potential of IPC interventions in reducing HAIs and improving compliance with hand hygiene in healthcare facilities in Africa. However, the certainty of evidence was low for majority of the outcomes. For future research, we recommend more pragmatic study designs with improved…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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