Preventive Practices And The Contribution Of Nursing And Radiology Staff To Infection Prevention In Hospitals

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant global public health challenge, affecting millions of patients annually and resulting in substantial clinical, economic, and societal burdens. Nursing and radiology staff play pivotal yet underappreciated roles in infection prevention within hospitals. This review synthesizes the epidemiology of HAIs, the core components of infection prevention programs, and the critical contributions of nursing and radiology personnel in reducing infection transmission. Key pathogens such as MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, and P. aeruginosa are highlighted, along with major risk factors across intensive care, surgical, and diagnostic imaging settings. Foundational principles of infection prevention are discussed, including the chain of infection, standard and transmission-based precautions, and the integration of administrative, environmental, and personal protective controls. Nurses are central to implementing bedside and procedural asepsis, conducting surveillance and reporting, providing patient education, and leading quality improvement initiatives. Radiology staff face unique challenges related to equipment decontamination, aseptic techniques during interventional procedures, and compliance with infection control protocols. Emerging issues such as antimicrobial resistance, technological innovations in automated disinfection and digital surveillance, and the application of artificial intelligence in predicting infection trends are explored. Future research should rigorously evaluate infection dynamics within radiology departments, behavioral determinants of staff compliance, and the impact of interdepartmental interventions. Sustainable infection prevention models require strong leadership commitment and effective policy frameworks. Ultimately, this review aims to promote the development of evidence-based, multidisciplinary infection prevention strategies that engage nursing and radiology staff to reduce the risk and consequences of HAIs worldwide.