Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) in low and middle income countries (LMIC) is often constrained by limited resources and competing health priorities, necessitating external agency support. Yet, no reported frameworks exist to guide the development of such collaborations.
Aim: This study aimed to identify the core elements of a collaborative support framework to strengthen IPC in LMICs.
Methods: A systematic scoping review of literature (2005-2020, in English) was conducted based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus databases were utilised, with a search strategy that included varied combinations of MeSH terms, Emtree and IPC-related keywords.
Results: Six core elements of a comprehensive IPC collaborative support framework were identified: 1) Collaborative Projects, 2) Policies and Procedures, 3) Training and Professional Development, 4) Surveillance Systems, 5) Assessment and Feedback, and 6) Partnerships, the latter being a crucial enabling factor. The analysis showed that training and collaborative projects benefit from pre-workshop preparations and multidisciplinary groups, fostering collaboration and skills enhancement. Working groups of multidisciplinary stakeholders proved pivotal in IPC collaborations, providing forums for information exchange and assisting in resource development. Their input fortifies partnerships, underscoring the interconnectedness of the elements.
Conclusion: The identified core elements should guide the construction of a collaborative support model for IPC in LMIC. The next step is developing a framework of equitably empowered partnerships for sustained IPC improvement in LMIC settings.