Ramon Z. Shaban, Kate Curtis, Margaret Fry, Brendan McCormack, Deborah Parker, D. Macbeth, Brett G Mitchell, Philip L. Russo, N. D. Friedman, Noleen J Bennett, Lucy Thompson, Jo-Ann Dalton, Kathy Dempsey, Belinda Henderson, J. Considine, R. Bowes, Merrick Powell, E. Battaglini, N. Dodson, K. McKay, C. Viengkham
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection prevention and control (IPC) programs are critical to the wellbeing of older people in residential aged care homes (RACHs). There is a need to collate global evidence on governance and IPC programs in RACHs.
AIM To synthesise evidence characterizing the elements of IPC and governance of RACHs.
METHODS This scoping review examined literature from electronic bibliographic databases and gray literature using citation chaining and manual searching limited to English language and from 1980 to 2025. Studies were screened against eligibility criteria, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.
RESULTS 75 articles were included. Key components of IPC included standard precautions, employee health, surveillance, staff education, resident care, and outbreak management. Key components of infection control governance were varied but included appointment of an infection control professional and committee. Narrative-style reviews and surveys were most common among peer-reviewed articles, while practical guides and manuals were most common in the gray literature.
CONCLUSION Evidence published over the last 45 years on governance and elements of IPC programs in RACHs is sparse and heterogenous in scope and quality.
IMPACT This synthesis of evidence on the elements and governance of IPC programs in RACHs demonstrates an evidence-practice gap for future research.
Citation format
SHABAN, Ramon Z., et al. Elements and governance of infection prevention and control programs in residential aged care homes: A scoping review. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL, 2026.