Factors associated with patient safety and infection control: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: In an effort to enhance patient safety in hospitals, preventing infection risks has become a crucial aspect. This research addresses the complexity of patient safety challenges by exploring the implementation of infection risk prevention in hospitals.

Purpose: To analyze the practices of infection risk prevention, factors influencing patient safety, and innovative efforts to achieve optimal patient safety.

Method: The study utilizes a scoping review approach based on the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Searches for articles were carried out on PubMed and Google Scholar using pertinent keywords. The inclusion criteria encompass research conducted in hospitals, evaluations of patient safety, articles in either English or Indonesian languages, and publications from the past five years.

Results: Data analysis reveals that infection risk prevention involves actions such as hand hygiene, isolation, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization, vaccination, and medical waste management. Factors influencing patient safety include safety culture, healthcare staff training, information systems, and environmental design. Innovative efforts involve health information management, patient engagement, regular training, and integrated services.

Conclusion: Effective implementation of patient safety practices requires the engagement of all stakeholders and a sustainable safety culture. This research provides an in-depth understanding of patient safety practices in hospitals, identifies challenges, and details innovative efforts to achieve optimal patient safety.