Elements and governance of infection prevention and control programs in residential aged care homes: A scoping review

Abstract

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. To synthesise evidence characterising the elements of IPC and governance of RACHs. This scoping review examined literature from electronic bibliographic databases and grey literature using citation chaining and manual searching limited to English language and from 1980-2025. Studies were screened against eligibility criteria, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. 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 grey literature. Evidence published over the last 45 years on governance and elements of IPC programs in RACHs is sparse and heterogenous in scope and quality. This synthesis of evidence on the elements and governance of IPC programs in RACHs demonstrates an evidence-practice gap for future research.