# Healthcare-Associated Infections Controller: Concept Development

## TL;DR

This paper develops the concept of a Healthcare-Associated Infections Controller to guide nurses in preventing infections in healthcare settings.

## Contribution

It introduces a new professional role concept for infection control in healthcare through a hybrid methodological approach.

## Key findings

- The concept includes antecedents, attributes, and consequences validated by both literature and professionals.
- Professionals preferred the term 'Infection Controller' for this role.
- The concept enhances nurses' understanding and awareness of infection control practices.

## Abstract

To develop the concept of a Healthcare-Associated Infections Controller.

A qualitative methodological study, based on the Hybrid Model of Concept Development, conducted in three phases: Theoretical Phase (through a scoping review with a sample of 28 studies), Field Phase (online meeting with 30 professionals in the field), and Final Analytical Phase (data analysis and concept definition).

The antecedents, attributes, and consequences identified in the theoretical phase were similar to those described by the professionals. In the field phase, the majority of professionals defined “Infection Controller” as the most appropriate term for this professional. In the final analytical phase, the elements identified in the previous phases were similar; however, they had particularities.

The concept of a Healthcare-Associated Infections Controller was developed, providing nurses with a better understanding of their role in care delivery and enhancing their awareness of their actions.

Desenvolver o conceito de Controlador de Infecções Relacionadas à Assistência à Saúde.

Estudo metodológico qualitativo, fundamentado no Modelo Híbrido de Desenvolvimento de Conceito, realizado em três fases: Fase teórica (por meio de uma scoping review, com número amostral de 28 estudos), Fase de campo (encontro online com 30 profissionais da área) e Fase analítica final (análise dos dados e definição do conceito).

Os antecedentes, atributos e consequentes identificados na fase teórica foram semelhantes aos descritos pelos profissionais. Na fase de campo, a maioria dos profissionais definiu o “Controlador de infecção” como o termo mais adequado para esse profissional. Na fase analítica final, os elementos identificados nas fases anteriores são similares, entretanto, possuem particularidades.

Desenvolveu-se o conceito de Controlador de Infecções Relacionadas à Assistência à Saúde, subsidiando ao enfermeiro uma melhor compreensão sobre seu papel na assistência prestada e maior conscientização sobre suas ações.