20 Nursing Research Paper Topics on Infection Control in Healthcare

Infection control in healthcare is a multifaceted discipline that plays a pivotal role in preserving the well-being of patients and sustaining the health of healthcare professionals. The prevention and containment of infectious diseases are fundamental to the delivery of high-quality healthcare. Infections can compromise patient recovery, prolong hospital stays, lead to complications, and, in severe cases, result in fatalities. Furthermore, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) impose a significant economic burden on healthcare systems.

This article explores Nursing Research Paper Topics on Infection Control in Healthcare. We also explore PICOT questions examples, EBP & capstone project ideas, nursing research questions examples and nursing essay topic ideas on the domain of infection control in healthcare.

PICOT Questions Examples on Infection Control in Healthcare

1. In adult patients with central venous catheters (P), how does daily disinfection with chlorhexidine (I) compared to povidone-iodine (C) affect the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (O) within six months (T)?
2. Among healthcare workers (P), what is the effect of hand hygiene educational programs (I) compared to standard practice (C) on reducing the transmission of respiratory infections (O) within one year (T)?
3. In surgical patients (P), what is the impact of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (I) compared to no prophylaxis (C) on the occurrence of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days post-operation (T)?
4. Among patients in intensive care units (P), how does the implementation of daily oral care protocols (I) compared to no specific oral care protocols (C) affect the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (O) during the ICU stay (T)?
5. In pediatric populations (P), what is the effectiveness of single-use disposable thermometers (I) compared to reusable electronic thermometers (C) in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases (O) within one year (T)?
6. Among elderly residents in long-term care facilities (P), how does improved environmental cleaning (I) compared to standard cleaning practices (C) affect the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organism colonization (O) within six months (T)?
7. In neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings (P), what is the impact of strict visitor access control (I) compared to unrestricted visiting hours (C) on reducing the rate of neonatal infections (O) over a three-month period (T)?
8. For patients undergoing hemodialysis (P), what is the effect of water treatment system upgrades (I) compared to existing systems (C) on the occurrence of bloodstream infections related to dialysis (O) within six months (T)?
9. Among healthcare providers administering intramuscular injections (P), what is the influence of proper technique training (I) compared to no specific training (C) on minimizing the occurrence of injection site infections (O) within three months (T)?
10. In elderly patients in long-term care facilities (P), how does the implementation of vaccination programs against vaccine-preventable diseases (I) compared to no vaccination programs (C) affect the incidence of infectious diseases (O) within one year (T)?

You can also check out  PICOT Questions Examples on Gastrointestinal Nursing

Evidence-Based Project Ideas on Infection Control in Healthcare

1. Launch a hospital-wide campaign to promote hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers, using educational materials and incentives to improve adherence.
2. Investigate and implement advanced cleaning technologies and strategies to enhance infection prevention within healthcare facilities.
3. Develop and implement an antimicrobial stewardship program to ensure appropriate and responsible use of antibiotics, reducing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
4. Explore the use of telehealth and remote monitoring technologies to reduce the need for in-person visits, thus minimizing potential exposure to infectious agents.
5. Develop educational materials and initiatives to inform patients and their families about the importance of vaccination, hand hygiene, and other infection control measures.
6. Implement efficient strategies for procuring, distributing, and tracking the usage of PPE to safeguard healthcare workers and patients.
7. Establish regular auditing and monitoring processes to assess compliance with infection control measures among healthcare workers.
8. Investigate and implement cutting-edge disinfection technologies, such as ultraviolet (UV) light devices or hydrogen peroxide vapor systems, to augment traditional cleaning methods.
9. Develop comprehensive immunization programs for healthcare workers, prioritizing vaccinations against infectious diseases common to healthcare settings.
10. Create an integrated infection control surveillance system that tracks and analyzes infection trends within healthcare facilities.
11. Develop clear and concise guidelines for implementing isolation precautions in healthcare settings, including contact, droplet, and airborne precautions.
12. Launch a campaign to educate patients and visitors about respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette to minimize the spread of respiratory infections.
13. Implement efficient waste management systems to safely dispose of medical waste, reducing the risk of infection transmission.
14. Integrate rapid diagnostic testing for infectious diseases, enabling quicker identification and isolation of infected patients.
15. Develop a comprehensive protocol for the safe administration and management of antimicrobial medications within healthcare facilities.
16. Create a detailed plan for responding to infectious disease outbreaks, outlining specific roles and responsibilities for healthcare workers.
17. Implement programs that focus on the well-being of healthcare workers, including stress management, mental health support, and regular health check-ups.
18. : Develop efficient patient screening and triage procedures to identify potential cases of infectious diseases upon arrival at healthcare facilities.
19. Redesign or establish specialized patient isolation units within healthcare facilities, equipped with advanced ventilation systems and infection control measures.
20. Develop patient and family education programs to increase awareness of infection prevention measures and their role in minimizing infection risk.

Nursing Capstone Project Ideas on Infection Control in Healthcare

1. Conduct an extensive evaluation of hand hygiene adherence among healthcare workers, identifying barriers and formulating strategies for improvement.
2. Investigate the influence of telehealth services on reducing infection risk among patients and healthcare providers.
3. Create and implement an antimicrobial stewardship program within a healthcare facility, monitoring the impact on antibiotic use and resistance.
4. Collaborate with environmental services to enhance cleaning practices within healthcare facilities, measuring the effects on infection rates.
5. Develop and assess the effectiveness of educational interventions on patient and family adherence to vaccination and other infection control measures.
6. Develop and implement strategies to ensure efficient PPE procurement, distribution, and utilization within healthcare facilities.
7. Establish an auditing process to evaluate infection control compliance among healthcare workers and assess its impact on infection rates.
8. Investigate the efficacy of innovative disinfection technologies, comparing their performance to traditional cleaning methods.
9. Develop, implement, and evaluate immunization programs for healthcare workers within a healthcare institution.
10. Establish an integrated surveillance system to monitor infection trends and analyze data for timely responses.
11. Implement a detailed protocol for isolation precautions within a healthcare facility, assessing its effectiveness in reducing infection transmission.
12. Launch and assess a campaign aimed at educating patients and visitors on respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.
13. Evaluate and optimize waste management practices to ensure the safe disposal of medical waste.
14. Assess the impact of rapid diagnostic testing on the timely identification and isolation of infectious disease cases.
15. Develop and evaluate a protocol for the responsible administration and management of antimicrobial medications.
16. Create a response plan for infectious disease outbreaks, detailing actions for healthcare workers in various roles.
17. Implement well-being programs for healthcare workers and assess their impact on job satisfaction and infection control.
18. Assess the efficiency of patient screening and triage procedures for identifying potential infectious disease cases.
19.  Redesign or create patient isolation units with advanced infection control features, then evaluate their effectiveness.
20. Develop, implement, and assess the impact of infection control education programs for patients and their families.

You can also check out Nursing Capstone Project Ideas on Patient-Centered Care

Nursing Research Paper Topics on Infection Control in Healthcare

1. The Efficacy of Hand Hygiene Interventions in Reducing Healthcare-Associated Infections
2. Infection Control Measures and Their Impact on the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections
3. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs.
4. The Role of Telehealth in Reducing Infection Risk Among Vulnerable Populations
5. The Effectiveness of Environmental Cleaning Technologies in Healthcare Settings
6. Patient and Family Education on Infection Prevention: Challenges and Opportunities
7. Vaccine Hesitancy and Its Implications for Infection Control
8. Hand Hygiene Adherence Among Healthcare Workers.
9. Rapid Diagnostic Testing for Infectious Diseases.
10. The Impact of Occupational Immunization Programs on Healthcare Workers’ Health and Safety
11. Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette Campaigns.
12. Sustainable Waste Management in Healthcare Facilities.
13. Assessing the Performance of Innovative Disinfection Technologies
14. Infection Control Practices in Long-Term Care Facilities: Challenges and Solutions
15. Occupational Health and Well-being of Healthcare Workers.
16. Improving PPE Management.
17. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols.
18. The Role of Patient Screening and Triage in Infection Control.
19. Design, Impact, and Cost-Effectiveness of Patient Isolation Units.
20. Infection Control Education for Patients and Families.

Nursing Research Questions on Infection Control in Healthcare

1. How can healthcare facilities improve hand hygiene adherence among their staff, and what is the impact on infection rates?
2. What strategies are most effective in preventing surgical site infections, and how can they be integrated into standard practice?
3. What are the key components of successful antimicrobial stewardship programs, and what is their impact on antibiotic use and resistance?
4. How can telehealth services be harnessed to reduce the risk of infectious diseases among vulnerable patient populations?
5. What are the latest advancements in environmental cleaning technologies, and how do they affect infection control practices?
6. What are the challenges and opportunities in educating patients and families about vaccination and other infection control measures?
7. What factors contribute to vaccine hesitancy, and how does it impact infection control on a broader scale?
8. What are the primary factors influencing hand hygiene adherence among healthcare workers, and what interventions are most effective?
9. How does rapid diagnostic testing impact the timely identification and isolation of infectious disease cases, and what are the barriers to its adoption?
10. What is the impact of occupational immunization programs on the health and safety of healthcare workers?
11. What lessons can be learned from respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette campaigns, and what practices are considered best?
12. How can healthcare facilities implement sustainable waste management practices, considering both infection control and environmental impact?
13. What are the outcomes of using innovative disinfection technologies in healthcare settings?
14. What are the specific infection control challenges in long-term care facilities, and what innovative solutions can address them?
15. How can healthcare institutions promote the occupational health and well-being of their workforce while ensuring infection control measures are upheld?
16. What strategies have proven most effective in managing personal protective equipment (PPE) and what impact do they have on infection control?
17. How do environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols impact both safety and efficacy in healthcare settings?
18. What is the role of patient screening and triage in infection control, and how can these processes be made more efficient?
19. What is the impact of different designs of patient isolation units on infection control and cost-effectiveness?
20. How effective are infection control education programs for patients and families, and what recommendations can be made to improve their outcomes?

Nursing Essay Topic Ideas on Infection Control in Healthcare

1. The Importance of Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
2. Advancements in Environmental Cleaning Technologies to Promoting Safety and Infection Control
3. The Role of Rapid Diagnostic Testing in the Detection of Infectious Diseases
4. Occupational Health and Immunization Programs for Healthcare Workers
5. Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette Campaigns.
6. Innovative Disinfection Technologies and Their Role in Modern Healthcare
7. Challenges and Solutions in Infection Control for Long-Term Care Facilities
8. Occupational Health and Well-being of Healthcare Workers.
9. The Management of Personal Protective Equipment in Healthcare Settings
10. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols
11. The Significance of Patient Screening and Triage in Infection Control
12. Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic  on Infection Control Measures in Healthcare 
13. Strategies for Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections in Surgical Settings.
14. The Impact of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Compliance on Infection Control.
15. The Role of Environmental Cleaning in Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections.
16. The Use of Antibiotics and the Emergence of Drug-Resistant Infections.
17. The Influence of Vaccination Programs on Infection Control.
18. The Role of Infection Control Nurses in Promoting Safe Healthcare Practices.
19. The Impact of Infection Control Training on Healthcare Workers’ Compliance.
20. Strategies for Reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI).
21. Infection Control in Pediatric Healthcare Settings.
22. The Role of Infection Control in Preventing Sepsis.
23. Infection Control Measures in Dental and Oral Health Settings.
24. The Impact of Infection Control in Ambulatory Care Centers.
25. Outbreak Management and Infection Control in Long-Term Care Facilities.
26. The Role of Technology in Enhancing Infection Control Efforts.
27. The Impact of Infection Control Protocols on Reducing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI).
28. Infection Control in Home Healthcare Settings: Challenges and Solutions.
29. The Role of Infection Control in Preventing Influenza Outbreaks in Healthcare Facilities.
30. The Impact of Infection Control Practices on Reducing Surgical Site Infections (SSI).

Infection Control Nursing Essay Example

1. Prevention Of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections

Conclusion

Infection control in healthcare is an evolving and indispensable field that impacts patient outcomes, healthcare worker safety, and the overall quality of healthcare delivery. Understanding and improving infection control practices is a shared responsibility among healthcare professionals, administrators, policymakers, and the public. The ongoing commitment to evidence-based practices and research is key to ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved in the healthcare ecosystem.

FAQs

1. What are the 6 elements of infection control?

No matter the germ, there are six points at which the chain can be broken and a germ can be stopped from infecting another person. The six links include: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

2. What are the four major methods of infection control?

In health care and public health practice settings, infection control includes various measures that prevent and contain the spread of infectious disease. These measures include: Hand Washing. Infection control standard, contact, droplet and airborne precautions.

3. How do nurses prevent and control infection?

Proper use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns), aseptic technique, hand hygiene, and environmental infection control measures are primary methods to protect the patient from transmission of microorganisms from another patient and from the health care worker.

4. What causes infection?

Infection occurs when viruses, bacteria, or other microbes enter your body and begin to multiply.

Sources

1. Infection Prevention and Control: Theory and Clinical Practice for Healthcare Professionals by Debbie Weston
2. Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities: A Concise Compliance Guide for Healthcare Staff and Management by Michael Kennish
3. Hand Hygiene: A Handbook for Medical Professionals by Didier Pittet and John M. Boyce
4. Antibiotic Policies: Controlling Hospital Acquired Infection by Ian M. Gould and Jos van der Meer
5. Infection Control: Dilemmas and Practical Solutions by Russell Hugo and David Loveday
6. Vaccines: Challenges, Confrontations, and Opportunities by Jack G. Copeland and Gordon L. Archer