RECENT ADVANCES IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF HOSPITAL INFECTIONS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Hospital infections represent one of the main challenges for patient safety and the quality of health care, especially in view of the increase in antimicrobial resistance. This integrative review aimed to analyze recent advances in the prevention and treatment of these infections, considering new technological approaches, therapies and institutional strategies. The methodology consisted of searching for articles in indexed scientific databases, selecting studies published in the last ten years. The results indicated that traditional measures, such as hygiene protocols and epidemiological surveillance, remain essential, but that innovations such as advanced molecular diagnostics, automated disinfection and alternative therapies, such as phage therapy, emerge as promising in the fight against hospital infections. In addition, antimicrobial stewardship programs have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescription, contributing to the containment of bacterial resistance. It is concluded that, despite the advances, challenges still persist in the implementation of these strategies, requiring continuous investment, adequate public policies and greater adherence of health professionals.