Effectiveness of Educational Interventions on Medical Students’ Compliance with Standard Precautions: A Systematic Review

Authors

  • Nisreen Hamed University of Medical Sciences and Technology UMST Author
  • Samah Mohammed Author
  • Hiba Hamed Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66383/a4cq3503

Keywords:

Standard Precautions, Infection Control, Medical Students,

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

Standard Precautions (SPs) are essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and safeguarding both patients and healthcare workers. However, medical students often demonstrate poor adherence to SPs during clinical rotations. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of educational interventions in improving medical students’ knowledge, skills, and compliance with SPs.

Methods:

Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar identified studies (2015–October 2025) assessing educational interventions on SP outcomes among undergraduate medical students. Eligible designs included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies. Data extraction, quality assessment (RoB2, ROBINS-I), and narrative synthesis were conducted. Meta-analysis was performed where appropriate.

Results:

Three studies met inclusion criteria: (1) an RCT on ultraviolet cabinet–based hand-hygiene training, (2) a simulation-based mastery-learning (SBML) PPE program, and (3) a quasi-experimental KAP-based infection-control course. All interventions significantly improved short-term compliance or performance. Hand hygiene compliance improved by ~35%; SBML achieved 99% PPE mastery; and KAP scores rose significantly (p < 0.05) with sustained gains at 6 months. Due to heterogeneity, meta-analysis was limited. GRADE certainty ranged from moderate to high.

Conclusion:

Simulation-based and feedback-oriented educational interventions substantially improve medical students’ compliance with SPs. Long-term studies using standardized outcomes are needed to evaluate durability and real-world impact. Integrating experiential infection-control training into undergraduate curricula is strongly recommended.

Keywords: Standard Precautions, Infection Control, Medical Students

References

1-Dray S et al. Using an ultraviolet cabinet improves hand-hygiene compliance by undergraduate medical students. J Hosp Infect. 2020;106(3):473-479.

2-Miller DT et al. Simulation-based mastery learning improves PPE performance by medical students. West J Emerg Med. 2022;23(3):453-461.

3-Saati AA et al. Promotion of knowledge, attitude, and practice among medical undergraduates regarding infection-control measures during COVID-19. Front Public Health. 2022;10:932465.

4-Aghdassi SJ et al. Educational interventions to improve infection-prevention practices in healthcare students: a systematic review. J Hosp Infect. 2023;136:70-81.

5-Al-Dhayan A et al. Simulation-based infection-control training and its impact on adherence to SPs among students. BMC Med Educ. 2024;24(1):156.

6-World Health Organization. Core Components for Infection Prevention and Control Programmes. Geneva: WHO; 2022.

Additional Files

Published

2026-06-22

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): ISRJ PUB

Section

Articles

Categories

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Copyright (c) 2026 Nisreen Hamed, Samah Mohammed, Hiba Hamed (Author)

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