Interventions to Enhance Nursing Student Compliance With Infection Control: A Systematic Review

AIM The purpose of this review was to identify effective strategies for improving infection control practices among prelicensure nursing students. BACKGROUND Infection control practices are fundamental skills taught to prelicensure nursing students. The most effective teaching strategy to support infection control behaviors has yet to be determined. METHOD A systematic search of peer-reviewed English literature published before October 2021 was conducted in three databases, followed by critical appraisal. Outcomes included either observed or self-reported infection control behaviors. RESULTS Twelve eligible studies met inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Studies with integrated simulation or multimodal interventions generally achieved higher infection control compliance than those with greater emphasis on traditional education. The appraisal noted intervention/instrument heterogeneity and limited control. CONCLUSION Didactic infection control education should be supplemented with other modalities, but further controlled studies are needed to identify which specific approach is most effective.