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Prevention of Hospital-Acquired Infections Among Pediatric Patients: A Scoping Review Protocol
Imanul Hassan Abdul Shukor1, Nurul Farehah Shahrir2, Nur Khairah Badaruddin1
1Institute for Health Management, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia.
Insights
This review maps strategies for preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAI) in children. It identifies research gaps and informs updated pediatric infection control protocols for better patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Public Health
Background:
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) are frequent adverse events, particularly in vulnerable pediatric populations (0-18 years).
- Existing evidence for HAI prevention is often extrapolated from adult studies, lacking pediatric-specific considerations.
- Pediatric settings present unique challenges due to developing immune systems and specialized equipment needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review mapping key concepts, evidence types, and research gaps in pediatric HAI prevention strategies.
- To synthesize existing knowledge and identify areas requiring further pediatric-focused research.
- To provide a foundation for evidence-based practice and improved pediatric safety protocols.
Main Methods:
- Adherence to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Utilizing the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework for study inclusion.
- Comprehensive literature search across ten databases and grey literature, with dual independent review and data extraction.
Main Results:
- Synthesis of diverse HAI prevention practices into an accessible format for clinicians.
- Identification of critical research gaps specific to pediatric populations.
- Data to guide resource allocation and inform hospital infection control committees.
Conclusions:
- Establishment of a comprehensive baseline for pediatric-specific HAI prevention strategies.
- Informing evidence-based practice and highlighting areas for future research.
- Guiding the development of updated protocols to reduce pediatric infections in healthcare settings.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAI) represent one of the most frequent adverse events during care delivery, with the pediatric population (0-18 years) presenting unique vulnerabilities due to their developing immune systems, dependence on caregivers, and need for invasive devices. Despite the availability of general guidelines, existing high-level evidence is largely extrapolated from adult studies, and pediatric settings differ significantly in patient physiology and equipment size. This scoping review aims to map the key concepts, types of evidence, and research gaps related to strategies preventing HAI in pediatric patients. Methods: This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework will be utilized. We will include any strategy, intervention, or protocol aimed at preventing HAI. A comprehensive search will be conducted across ten major electronic databases and grey literature sources. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full texts, followed by data extraction using a standardized tool to categorize the interventions and key findings. Results: The findings will synthesize diverse practices into a usable format for clinical decision-makers and identify gaps where primary pediatric research is lacking. This consolidated data aims to guide resource allocation and assist hospital infection control committees in updating pediatric safety protocols. Conclusions: This scoping review will establish a comprehensive baseline of pediatric-specific HAI prevention strategies. The findings will inform evidence-based practice, identify critical research gaps, and guide future investigations in the prevention of pediatric infections in healthcare settings.
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