Evaluation of infection prevention and control in a Moroccan university hospital using the IPCAF tool

Area of Science:

• Healthcare quality and safety
• Infectious disease epidemiology
• Public health policy

Background:

• Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant global health threat.
• Limited research exists on the effectiveness of infection prevention and control (IPC) programs in Moroccan hospitals.
• This study assesses IPC adherence in 8 Moroccan hospitals using the Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the adherence of Moroccan hospitals to established IPC standards.
• To identify strengths and weaknesses in current IPC programs across different healthcare facilities.
• To provide data for targeted interventions to improve patient safety and reduce HAIs.

Main Methods:

• Eight Moroccan hospitals were included in the assessment.
• The Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) was utilized to evaluate IPC compliance.
• Key areas assessed included IPC committees, staff training, infrastructure, and surveillance systems.

Main Results:

• Significant variation in IPCAF scores was observed among the hospitals.
• Hospitals like Maternity and Reproductive Health Hospital - Orangers and Ibn Sina Hospital demonstrated high compliance (over 81%).
• Lower-scoring hospitals, such as Arrazi Hospital, exhibited gaps in infrastructure, staff involvement, and adherence to IPC guidelines.

Conclusions:

• Leadership commitment, regular training, and robust surveillance are crucial for effective IPC.
• Underperforming hospitals require targeted interventions to address infrastructure and staff engagement issues.
• Improving IPC practices is essential for enhancing patient safety and infection control standards in Morocco.