Infection prevention practices in Thai hospitals
Abstract:
Background: Since 2010, national surveys have tracked the adoption of evidence-based practices for healthcare-associated infections in Thailand. With data from 2025, we review 15 years of practice trends, institutional support, and workforce well-being in Thai hospitals.
Methods: From January-June 2025, we surveyed 107 Thai hospitals regarding IP practices for CAUTI, CLABSI, and VAE. We assessed perceptions of institutional support, safety culture, burnout, and coping strategies. Trends of use of IP practices reported across 4 independent cross-sectional surveys (2010, 2014, 2021, 2025) were evaluated using Cochran-Armitage trend tests.
Results: Response rate was 100%. Institutional support remained unchanged from 2021, with 31% of hospitals reporting “very good”/”excellent” support. Over 15 years, several practices improved across infection domains. CAUTI catheter reminder systems increased significantly (33.3% in 2010 vs 74.8% in 2025, P<0.001). For CLABSI, chlorhexidine antisepsis rose markedly (37.7% in 2010 vs 96.3% in 2025, P<0.001). For VAE, sedation vacation increased (36.8% in 2014 vs 72.0% in 2025, P<0.001) and semi-recumbent positioning remained high (92.5%, P=0.024). Stronger institutional support correlated with adoption of key practices. Burnout increased from 29% in 2021 to 43% in 2025.
Conclusions: Despite modest improvements in some IP practices, institutional support remains limited yet is strongly associated with practice adoption. Renewed national strategies are needed to strengthen IPC infrastructure and support the well-being of IP professionals in Thailand.
Reference:
Thaprawat P, Todd Greene M, Kasetpibal N, Apisarnthanarak A. Infection Prevention Practices in Thai Hospitals: 15-Year National Trends and the Role of Institutional Support. Am J Infect Control. 2026 Jul 7:S0196-6553(26)00580-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2026.06.033. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42413775.