Improving infection control protocols in healthcare settings: Redesigning workplace safety in aged care for future pandemics

Purpose: This study examines infection prevention and control after COVID-19 in aged care organisations to identify best practices for planning and staff protection for future pandemics. It investigates how technological solutions relate to standard sanitation practices and how they affect healthcare delivery effectiveness measurements and organisational performance. Methodology: The current study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of global studies published between 2019 and 2024 in peer-reviewed journals, using standard data extraction tools and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The study used Cooper’s Taxonomy of Literature Reviews, using quantitative and qualitative synthesis methods to assess infection control policies in various healthcare institutions. Findings: Facilities implementing integrated technological solutions demonstrated reduced transmission rates and an average of 65% improvement in protocol adherence. Advanced ventilation systems combined with regular staff training led to a reduction in healthcare-associated infections. Notably, smaller facilities achieved outcomes comparable to those of larger institutions when implementing comprehensive technological solutions. Contributions: This study defines a new paradigm for infection control that considers the need to satisfy safety necessities while not utterly disregarding residents’ psychosocial needs. This paper also shows that technology-enhanced protocols are feasible in large and small settings. The results contribute to policy guidelines for minimum technological infrastructure in the organisations while offering research-based recommendations for better preparation for future pandemics in aged care facilities.