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Innovations in Education for Infection Prevention: A Narrative Review of Strategies to Reduce Healthcare-Associated Infections

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Published: Jan 4, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/healthresj.42560
Keywords:
Healthcare-associated infections infection prevention and control education simulation artificial intelligence
Panagiota Manthou
Infection Preventionist, Msc, Phd, Deputy Coordinator of Emergency and Intensive Care Nursing Speciality, Academic Fellow of University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
Georgios Lioliousis
RN, MSc, PhD(c),Intensive Care Unit, 1st Department Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases “Sotiria”,Athens, Greece
Maria S. Chrysi
RN, MSc, PhD, Head Nurse, Department of Surgery, Saint Savvas Hospital, Athens, Greece
Maria Bourazani
RN, MSc, PhD, Head Nurse, Department of Anesthesiology, Saint SavvasHospital, Athens, Greece
Anna Giga
RN, MSc, Secondary Education Teacher at a Vocational High School, Athens, Greece
Aikaterini Atherini
RN, General Hospital of Athens 'G. Gennimatas', Greece
Despoina Pappa
RN, MSc, PhD, Head Nurse, Department of Cath Lab at Henry Dunant Hospital, Athens, Greece
Abstract

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs worldwide. Education of healthcare workers is a cornerstone of infection prevention and control (IPC), yet traditional methods often fail to produce sustained behavioral change.


Objective: This narrative review synthesizes evidence on contemporary educational tools for IPC, focusing on their impact on compliance with infection prevention practices and infection outcomes, with emphasis on data from Western countries.


Methods: A narrative review approach incorporating systematic elements was used. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for English-language studies published between 2000 and 2024 evaluating educational interventions in IPC. Of 452 abstracts screened, 117 full texts were reviewed, and 67 studies were included. Data were synthesized narratively.


Results: Simulation-based and multimodal interventions were most consistently associated with reductions in HAIs, including 40–66% decreases in catheter-related bloodstream infections and ~50% reductions in MRSA bacteremia. E-learning, gamification, and mobile platforms improved scalability and engagement; VR/AR enhanced experiential learning but showed mixed effects on real-world compliance. AI-driven feedback systems provided continuous reinforcement and early evidence of infection reduction.


Conclusion: Theory-informed, multimodal educational strategies significantly improve compliance and can reduce HAI rates. Future directions include adaptive AI-based learning, expanded Just-in-Time Training (JITT), and rigorous evaluation of infection outcomes.

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