Core Competencies of Nurses Working in Hospital Infection Prevention and Control: A Scoping Review and Cluster...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Infection prevention and control (IPC) nursing is crucial for preventing healthcare-associated infections.
• A unified core competency framework for IPC nursing roles is currently undefined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and synthesize core competencies for IPC nurses, including infection control nurses (ICNs) and infection control link nurses (ICLNs).
• To examine role-specific competency differences and associations among competency domains.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review utilizing a five-stage methodological framework.
• High-frequency term analysis and cluster analysis were employed to define core competency structures.

Main Results:

• Eighteen sources yielded 40 high-frequency terms, identifying nine core competency domains grouped into three clusters: system-supporting/developmental, clinical practice, and microbiology/surveillance.
• ICNs emphasized surveillance, leadership, education, and management, while ICLNs focused on clinical practice and communication.
• Additional domains like research competence and personal quality were identified beyond existing frameworks.

Conclusions:

• Systematic mapping of IPC nursing competencies into nine domains and three clusters provides distinct profiles for ICNs and ICLNs.
• Findings can inform the development of role-specific competency frameworks, assessment tools, and targeted IPC education.
• Strengthening analytical, clinical, and system-level IPC competencies can enhance infection prevention effectiveness.