Nursing Interventions To Prevent Hospital-Acquired Infections In Pediatric Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are among the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), posing challenges to patient safety and healthcare quality worldwide. Critically ill children are particularly vulnerable to infections such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) due to invasive devices, immature immunity, and prolonged hospital stays. Nurses, being at the forefront of patient care, play a crucial role in preventing these infections through adherence to evidence-based protocols and infection control practices. This review aims to synthesize international guidelines and research evidence regarding nursing interventions that effectively reduce HAIs in PICUs. Guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) emphasize the importance of comprehensive infection prevention programs, including hand hygiene, aseptic technique, environmental cleaning, and surveillance. Key nursing interventions identified include implementation of central line and ventilator care bundles, regular assessment and timely removal of invasive devices, maintenance of sterile techniques, environmental disinfection, and nurse-led surveillance and audit systems. Continuous staff education, competency validation, and family engagement also contribute significantly to infection reduction. Evidence from multiple quality improvement initiatives demonstrates that structured, nurse-led infection control interventions can significantly lower rates of CLABSI, VAP, and CAUTI in PICUs. Effective implementation requires strong leadership, adequate staffing, availability of supplies, and a culture of safety. This review concludes that empowering nurses through education, clear protocols, and institutional support is essential for sustaining infection prevention efforts and achieving safer outcomes for paediatric patients in intensive care settings.