“Preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections: The Essential Role of Healthcare Providers in Nosocomial Infection Control”

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) persistently impact hospital care quality, with morbidity and mortality rates from HAIs on the rise despite advances in healthcare interventions and facilities (Voidazan et al., 2020). The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes HAIs as significant public health concerns, as they lead to longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, negative patient outcomes, and increased mortality rates (Blot et al., 2022). These infections are prevalent globally, regardless of a country's development level. Also known as nosocomial or healthcare-associated infections (derived from the Greek word "nosokomeion" for hospital), HAIs are defined as infections that develop in a healthcare setting, typically manifesting 48 hours or more after admission, with no sign of infection upon the patient's arrival (Yokoe et al., 2023; Nayek, 2019; Sahiledengle et al., 2020).