Infection prevention and control (IPC) implementation in low-resource settings: a qualitative analysis

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for effective infection prevention and control (IPC).
• Limited evidence exists on successful IPC implementation strategies in low-resource settings.
• This study qualitatively assessed IPC implementation themes in these specific environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively assess key themes for effective infection prevention and control (IPC) implementation.
• To identify actionable strategies for IPC programs in low-resource settings.
• To provide evidence for improving IPC practices globally.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with IPC experts from 29 countries across six WHO regions.
• Employed qualitative inductive thematic analysis to identify frequent IPC implementation themes.
• Highlighted sub-themes appearing ≥3 times in data for emphasis.

Main Results:

• Identified eight frequent IPC implementation themes and critical actions for WHO IPC core components.
• Key themes include developing IPC programs, guidelines, training, and surveillance.
• Strategies emphasize leadership advocacy, technical assistance, local adaptation, and data-driven feedback.

Conclusions:

• The identified IPC implementation themes provide crucial qualitative evidence for global IPC professionals.
• These findings can inform the development of more effective IPC strategies in resource-limited areas.
• Focusing on these themes can enhance the response to infectious disease threats.