Influences of Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Transmissible Infections Among Operating Room Team Members: A Systematic Review

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Aim: To synthesise evidence on the influences of infection prevention and control practices for transmissible infections among operating room team members. Design: Systematic review. Data Sources: PubMed, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Web of Science and Scopus, supplemented by manual searches using Google Scholar and citation tracking. Review Methods: Databases were searched between March and April 2025, with an updated search undertaken in August 2026. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data were synthesised using a convergent integrated approach. Results: Thirteen studies across quantitative, qualitative and mixed‐methods methodologies were included. Factors influencing infection prevention and control practices for transmissible infections among operating room team members included resource accessibility, organisational infrastructure and leadership support, alongside variation in knowledge and training. Precaution use differed across professional groups, whereas communication and teamwork were identified as important to coordinating infection prevention efforts. The practical demands of personal protective equipment also created challenges for communication and the delivery of surgical care. The four overarching themes were organisational support and resources; professional and team dynamics; knowledge and training; and the practical challenges in implementing precautions. Conclusion: Given the heterogeneity and predominantly observational nature of the evidence, the findings provide conceptual insight into factors influencing practice, although certainty regarding the effectiveness of specific strategies remains limited. Supporting infection prevention practices for transmissible infections in the operating room therefore requires attention to influences beyond individual knowledge, to include the wider team and organisational conditions in which precautions are implemented. Implications for Nursing Practice: Throughout a patient's operating room journey, perioperative nurses play a central role in coordinating patient care and infection prevention activities. They communicate infection risks, prepare the clinical environment, implement precautions, and coordinate care across professional groups. Support from nurse managers and clinical nurse educators through appropriate resources, continuing education, and interprofessional learning is important to sustain this role and promote consistent infection prevention practice for patient and staff safety. Impact: This review highlights the factors influencing infection prevention and control practices for transmissible infections among operating room team members. As transmissible infections continue to persist in healthcare settings, these findings may assist perioperative nurses and multidisciplinary teams to identify barriers and facilitators and inform locally relevant strategies that support consistent infection prevention practice and safer surgical care. Reporting Method: This systematic review was reported in accordance with the relevant EQUATOR guideline, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. No Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution was required as this systematic review synthesised data from previously published studies. PROSPERO Registration: CRD420251168178

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