Professional practice requirements and competency standards for infection prevention and control professionals in residential aged care: A scoping review

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections are a major health issue for older adults in residential aged care homes (RACHs). Events like the COVID-19 pandemic have increased focus on the practice of infection prevention and control professionals (ICPs) in RACHs. To synthesise evidence on practice requirements and competency standards for ICPs in RACHs globally. This scoping review examined literature from electronic bibliographic databases and gray literature via citation chaining and manual searching limited to English from 1980 to 2025. Studies were screened against eligibility criteria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and framework analysis. Forty-nine articles were included. Key practice requirements in the white literature included surveillance, staff education, resident care, and employee health; and directing IPC activities, standard precautions, and resident care in the gray literature. Training and credentialing featured less frequently, identifying a need for specialized training. Only 2 formal competency certifications were noted as a requirement or expectation for ICPs. Several key elements of practice have been identified, but there is limited detail and consistency regarding qualifications, competency standards, and credentialing. This work reviewed the literature regarding ICP practice requirements, qualifications, and credentialing. Gaps in this literature indicate a need for formal, evidence-based guidelines for ICPs in RACHs.