Advanced nursing practice in infection prevention and control (IPC) and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is increasingly recognised as pivotal in combating healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. This chapter explores the multifaceted roles of advanced practice nurses in IPC and AMS implementation. These roles encompass leadership in policy development, autonomous clinical decision-making, implementation of innovative interventions, influencing institutional policies, leading multidisciplinary teams, and driving practice changes aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. The autonomy of advanced nurse practitioners in making infection-related clinical decisions, from initiating isolation protocols to optimising antibiotic therapy, is highlighted, alongside their contributions to education and professional development for the healthcare workforce. Challenges such as resource limitations, role ambiguity, and interprofessional barriers are discussed, and key facilitators such as strong leadership support and targeted training are identified. Case studies from Europe illustrate successful nurse-led IPC and AMS initiatives, with comparisons to practices in the United States and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This chapter emphasises that empowering nurses in IPC and AMS fosters more resilient and effective responses to infection threats, while underscoring the need for continued professional development and supportive policy frameworks.

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Advanced Nursing Practice in IPC and AMS

  • Enrique Castro-Sánchez

摘要

Advanced nursing practice in infection prevention and control (IPC) and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is increasingly recognised as pivotal in combating healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. This chapter explores the multifaceted roles of advanced practice nurses in IPC and AMS implementation. These roles encompass leadership in policy development, autonomous clinical decision-making, implementation of innovative interventions, influencing institutional policies, leading multidisciplinary teams, and driving practice changes aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. The autonomy of advanced nurse practitioners in making infection-related clinical decisions, from initiating isolation protocols to optimising antibiotic therapy, is highlighted, alongside their contributions to education and professional development for the healthcare workforce. Challenges such as resource limitations, role ambiguity, and interprofessional barriers are discussed, and key facilitators such as strong leadership support and targeted training are identified. Case studies from Europe illustrate successful nurse-led IPC and AMS initiatives, with comparisons to practices in the United States and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This chapter emphasises that empowering nurses in IPC and AMS fosters more resilient and effective responses to infection threats, while underscoring the need for continued professional development and supportive policy frameworks.