NURSING 6 Evidence-Based Report: Healthcare-Associated Infections

This report, prepared for a Nursing 6 course, investigates the significant clinical issue of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) within hospital settings. It outlines the problem's prevalence, risks, and impact on patient outcomes, including increased mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. The report examines key factors contributing to HAIs, such as medical procedures, organizational factors, and antibiotic use. It presents an evidence-based search strategy, synthesizing literature from various sources to identify effective interventions, particularly educational interventions, hand washing, and proper sterilization. The report analyzes five primary sources, focusing on case studies and the JBI hierarchy of evidence. It highlights the strengths and limitations of the evidence, emphasizing the need for further research and the importance of implementing strategic policies and education to combat the spread of HAIs. The report concludes with recommendations for practice, addressing barriers to research utilization and proposing strategies to facilitate the uptake of evidence-based practices to enhance patient care and reduce the incidence of HAIs.