Prevention of Health-care Workers Role in Transmission of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

Abstract

Introduction:

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) poses a significant challenge to patient safety and healthcare quality, with healthcare workers (HCWs) playing a crucial role in its transmission. Despite numerous strategies to mitigate this risk, the effectiveness of various interventions remains to be systematically evaluated. This review aimed to synthesize evidence on interventions designed to prevent HCWs' role in the transmission of HAP, focusing on hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), educational programs, and environmental cleaning measures.

Methods:

A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, was conducted for interventional studies and clinical trials published from 2007 to 2022. Studies were included if they evaluated interventions aimed at reducing HAP transmission by HCWs in adult hospital settings. The primary outcomes assessed were changes in HAP incidence, with risk ratios (RR) and percentages used to quantify effect sizes. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers.

Results:

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse interventions. Hand hygiene improvements were associated with a 55% reduction in HAP rates (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.67). Enhanced PPE protocols resulted in a 40% decrease in HAP incidence (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.85). Educational interventions for HCWs led to a 30% reduction in HAP transmission (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.96), and environmental cleaning measures were linked to a 20-25% reduction in HAP rates (RR range 0.75 to 0.80).

Conclusions:

This review demonstrates the effectiveness of multifaceted interventions in reducing HAP transmission by healthcare workers. Hand hygiene, PPE, educational programs, and environmental cleaning significantly decrease HAP incidence, highlighting the need for comprehensive infection control strategies in hospitals. Implementing evidence-based measures can substantially improve patient safety and reduce the burden of HAP.