Nosocomial Infection Prevention and Control in COVID-19 Designated Hospitals

Abstract

Designated hospitals serve as critical sites for the treatment of severe COVID-19 cases, where infection prevention and control (IPC) not only safeguard healthcare workers and patients but also play a decisive role in curbing the spread of the pandemic. Drawing on recent policy documents, national standards, and practical experiences from representative hospitals in China and abroad, this study systematically examines the approaches and practices of IPC in COVID-19 designated hospitals. The analysis covers five major dimensions: an overview of the pandemic, the construction of IPC systems in designated hospitals, key technical measures, emergency management and continuous improvement mechanisms, and future challenges and directions. The findings highlight core measures such as organizational structures, process management, personnel training, engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and environmental disinfection. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of intelligent surveillance, integration of medical care and public health, and standardized construction in strengthening IPC capacity, while also identifying persistent challenges related to viral mutations, compliance fatigue among healthcare workers, and the coexistence of multiple pathogens. These insights provide practical implications for optimizing IPC systems in designated hospitals and enhancing public health emergency preparedness.