Rona Pillay

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

Background: Oral cancer is a growing problem worldwide, with high incidence rates in South Asian countries. With increasing numbers of South Asian immigrants in developed countries, a possible rise in oral cancer cases is expected given the high prevalence in their source countries and the continued oral cancer risk behaviours of immigrants. The aim of this review is to synthesise existing evidence regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries regarding oral cancer. Methods: Five electronic databases were systematically searched to identify original, English language articles focussing on oral cancer risk knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries. All studies that met the following inclusion criteria were included: conducted among South Asian immigrants in developed countries; explored at least one study outcome (knowledge or attitudes or practices); used either qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. No restrictions were placed on the publication date, quality and setting of the study. Results: A total of 16 studies involving 4772 participants were reviewed. These studies were mainly conducted in the USA, UK, Italy and New Zealand between 1994 and 2018. Findings were categorised into themes of oral cancer knowledge, attitudes and practices. General lack of oral cancer risk knowledge (43–76%) among participants was reported. More than 50% people were found engaging in one or more oral cancer risk practices like smoking, betel quid/pan/gutka chewing. Some of the participants perceived betel quid/pan/gutka chewing habit good for their health (12–43.6%). Conclusion: This review has shown that oral cancer risk practices are prevalent among South Asian immigrants who possess limited knowledge and unfavourable attitude in this area. Culturally appropriate targeted interventions and strategies are needed to raise oral cancer awareness among South Asian communities in developed countries.

Background: Oral cancer is a public health concern and is widespread in developing countries, particularly in South Asia. However, oral cancer cases are also rising in developed nations due to various factors, including smoking, viruses and increased migration from South Asia. In this context, the role of general medical practitioners (GPs) in identifying oral cancer is becoming increasingly important and, while some studies have explored their perspective about oral cancer, a synthesis of these results has not been undertaken. Objective: The objective of this integrative review is to synthesize existing evidence regarding oral cancer-related knowledge, attitudes and practices of GPs in developed countries. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched to identify studies focussing on the objective of this review. The inclusion criteria were: peer-reviewed English language publications; studies conducted in developed countries involving GPs; explored at least one study outcome (knowledge/attitudes/practices). No restrictions were placed on the publication date. Results: A total of 21 studies involving 3409 GPs were reviewed. Most studies revealed limited knowledge of GPs about emerging risk factors, such as betel nut chewing (0.8–50%). Significant variation (7–70%) was evident in routine oral examination practices of GPs. Most GPs felt unsure about diagnosing oral cancer and many (38–94%) raised the need for further education. No study explored the specific relevance of GPs’ practices concerning South Asian immigrants. Conclusion: This review suggests the need for educational programs to enhance GPs’ knowledge regarding oral cancer. Further research exploring oral cancer-related practices of GPs caring for South Asian immigrants is warranted.

Background: Indian women have been consistently reported as having low participation in breast cancer screening practices. A valid and reliable instrument to explore their breast cancer beliefs is essential for development of interventions to promote breast cancer screening practices. Objective: The aim of this study was to report the psychometric properties of the Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire (BCSBQ) in an Indian community in Australia. Methods: A convenience sample of 242 Indian Australian women was recruited from Indian community organizations and personal networking. Explanatory factor analysis was conducted to study the factor structure. Clinical validity was examined by Cuzick’s nonparametric test, and Cronbach’s α was used to assess internal consistency reliability. Results: Exploratory factor analysis showed a similar fit to the hypothesized 3-factor structure. The frequency of breast cancer screening practices was significantly associated with attitudes toward general health check-up. Knowledge and perceptions about the breast cancer scale were not significantly associated with clinical breast examinations and mammography. Perceived barriers to mammography were much less evident among women who engaged in breast awareness and clinical breast examination. Results indicated that the BCSBQ had satisfactory validity and internal consistency. Cronbach’s α of the 3 subscales ranged from .81 to .91. Conclusions: The BCSBQ is a culturally appropriate, valid, and reliable instrument for assessing the beliefs, knowledge, and attitudes about breast cancer and breast cancer screening practices among women of Indian ethnic extraction living in Australia. Implication for Practice: The BCSBQ can be used to provide nurses with information relevant for the development of culturally sensitive breast health education programs.