Infection prevention and control continuous education and training in pre-registration nursing programmes

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) education and training in pre-registration nursing programmes are imperative in developing student nurses' clinical aptitudes. The IPC core competencies must be consistent amongst student nurses across different settings, asserting the need for education and training providers to respond. Continuous education and training can improve IPC core competencies through enhanced knowledge, compliance, and attitude in the academic and clinical contexts, impacting future nursing practice and patient safety.

Objective: This integrative review critically examines the reported IPC core competencies in pre-registration nursing programmes to contribute to future continuous IPC education and training.

Review methods: An integrative literature review methodology was utilised to conduct a structured literature search within the last five years using CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases. The following keywords were used: infection prevention and control; pre-registration nursing; higher education; core competencies in the databases. A total of 15 articles were identified under the inclusion criteria of peer-reviewed primary research in English on the pre-registration nurse population and their nursing programmes.

Results: The final review of the 15 reports yielded continuous IPC education and training, knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and clinical placements as key components to develop and elevate student nurses' IPC core competencies.

Conclusion: All reports acknowledged the challenges of maintaining IPC core competencies and seeking diversified strategies to support continuous education and training utilising interactive tools embedded with simulated scenarios and quizzes, translating knowledge and skills to exemplary professional behaviours, and consistent academic and clinical support as the IPC demand intensifies.