Global Lessons from COVID-19: Regional Variations in the Management of Hospital-Acquired Infections During and Post-Pandemic.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, exposing longstanding weaknesses, particularly in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Regional disparities in infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies offered valuable lessons for improving public health preparedness. This systematic review aims to identify and compare regional IPC approaches adopted during and after the pandemic, highlighting best practices to strengthen healthcare resilience. Methods: The review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD420251032525). Articles published between 1 January 2020 and 31 March 2025, were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Only full-text studies in English were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: Of the 63 articles initially identified, 8 met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies demonstrated substantial variability in the implementation of IPC. The availability of infrastructure, funding, coordination capacity, and training of medical staff had a significant impact on outcomes. In regions with well-defined protocols and a solid infrastructure, there was a significant decrease in HAIs, while in resource-poor areas, there was a significant increase. Effective measures included continuous monitoring, regular staff training, provision of adequate equipment, expansion of testing capacity, reorganisation of hospitals, and introduction of technological innovations in healthcare. Conclusions: COVID-19 emphasised the importance of adaptable IPC frameworks. Strengthening health systems requires context-specific standards, sustained investment in infrastructure, continuous training, and increased international cooperation to better prepare for future health emergencies.