Effect of Isolation Measures on Nosocomial Infection Rates in Nursing Practice during COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis

Lingfei  Ma; Fuping  Ye

doi:10.18502/ijph.v54i2.17901

Lingfei Ma Department of Nursing, Jiaozhou Central Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao, 266300, China
Fuping Ye Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jiaozhou Central Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v54i2.17901

Keywords: COVID-19; Pandemic; Isolation measures; Nursing practice

Abstract

Background: Nosocomial infections represent a critical challenge in nursing practice, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolation measures have been implemented widely to curb the spread of infections within healthcare settings. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of isolation measures in reducing nosocomial infection rates in nursing practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted using keywords such as "isolation measures," "nosocomial infection," and "COVID-19" and their combinations in international databases, focusing on articles published between 2020 and 2024. Data were analyzed using meta-analysis and a random effects model. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed with the I² test, and analyses were performed using STATA software.

Results: The analysis of 8 selected articles with a total sample size of 10,532 individuals showed that the implementation of isolation measures significantly reduced nosocomial infection rates, with an average effect size of 0.58 (95% CI: 42.1-74.5).

Conclusion: Isolation measures are effective in reducing nosocomial infection rates in nursing practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings support the continued use of these measures to enhance patient safety and control infection spread within healthcare facilities.