Core Competencies of Nurses Working in Hospital Infection Prevention and Control: A Scoping Review and Cluster Analysis

BACKGROUND: Infection prevention and control (IPC) nursing plays a central role in implementing IPC standards and preventing healthcare-associated infections. However, a unified core competency framework for IPC nursing roles has yet to be clearly defined. AIM: This study aimed to identify and synthesise the core competencies required for IPC nurses, including infection control nurses (ICNs) and infection control link nurses (ICLNs). It also examined how these competencies differ according to role responsibilities and explored patterns of association among competency domains. DESIGN: A scoping review with cluster analysis. METHODS: This scoping review followed a five-stage methodological framework, including identifying the research questions, identifying relevant sources, selecting sources, charting the data and collating, summarising and reporting the results. Based on this process, we conducted high-frequency term analysis and cluster analysis to identify the core competency structure. RESULTS: This review included 18 sources, from which 40 high-frequency terms were extracted and nine core competency domains were identified. Cluster analysis grouped these domains into three clusters: system-supporting and developmental competencies, IPC in clinical practice and microbiology and surveillance. When compared with the World Health Organization framework, these domains showed overall alignment while also revealing additional domains of importance, such as research competence and personal quality. ICNs placed greater emphasis on surveillance, leadership, education and programme management, whereas ICLNs focused more on clinical practice and communication. CONCLUSION: This study systematically mapped IPC nursing competencies into nine domains and three functional clusters, distinguishing role-specific profiles for ICNs and ICLNs. The findings can inform role-specific competency framework development and more targeted IPC education and workforce preparation. HIGHLIGHTS: This scoping review synthesised competency evidence for ICNs and ICLNs. Three competency clusters were identified: system-supporting and development, IPC clinical practice and microbiology and surveillance. The findings support the development of role-specific competency frameworks, assessment tools and training programmes for infection control nursing roles. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Findings from this study suggest that strengthening analytical, clinical, and system-level IPC competencies may enhance the effectiveness of infection prevention efforts in daily practice. Targeted competency development appears feasible, though further research is needed to design and evaluate integrated interventions. IMPACT: The findings suggest that IPC competencies should be developed with attention to the distinct requirements of analytical, clinical, and system-level work. Healthcare organizations may enhance IPC performance by providing targeted training in surveillance, supporting frontline implementation, and strengthening mechanisms that connect managerial activities with bedside practice. Integrating these strategies may help improve the consistency and impact of infection prevention efforts. REPORTING METHOD: PRISMA-ScR.