Assessing Global Nursing Interventions in Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) raise worldwide morbidity, death, and healthcare expenditures. Preventing and managing HAIs requires nursing interventions such hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, environmental cleaning, and antimicrobial stewardship. This meta-analysis examined how nursing interventions reduced HAIs in different hospital settings.

Methods: A complete PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science search was undertaken for January 2000–December 2023 research. Studies on HAI-reducing nursing interventions were included. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The random-effects model was used to construct pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs in meta-analysis. We also performed subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses.

Results: Fourteen trials with 2540 individuals were included. In the pooled study, nursing interventions significantly reduced HAI incidence (RR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.35-0.50, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that hand hygiene, PPE usage, environmental cleaning, and antimicrobial stewardship reduced HAIs. Sensitivity analysis verified these results' reliability. Egger's test showed no publication bias (P = 0.78). Over time, cumulative meta-analysis showed constant effect sizes.

Conclusion: Nursing interventions significantly reduce HAIs. Hand hygiene, PPE, environmental cleaning, and antimicrobial stewardship are essential to infection control. Healthcare institutions should prioritise these actions and resolve compliance hurdles to enhance patient outcomes and minimise HAIs. Research is needed to explore innovative approaches and identify factors influencing compliance.