Infection control comprises two integral aspects: infection control and prevention. This multifaceted approach involves the development of comprehensive programs and systems aimed at understanding the prevailing state of infections (infection surveillance), formulating infection prevention policies, implementing infection prevention activities for staff, and systematically evaluating the efficacy of infection prevention measures. Successful infection control necessitates the orchestration and coordination of activities and functions within this system.

The 1990s saw the emergence of new and re-emerging infectious diseases and an increase in multidrug resistance. In response to these challenges, Japan enacted the “Act on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients with Infectious Diseases (Infectious Diseases Act)” in 1999. Subsequently, infection prevention measures have been integrated into medical fees, prompting medical facilities to adopt more proactive infection prevention strategies.

Within the nursing domain, the Japan Nursing Association developed the “Guidebook on Infection Control (Revised Edition)” in 2004. This guideline delineates the concept of infection control, the fundamentals of infection control, infection prevention measures in caregiving, and infection prevention strategies for specific departments.

In executing infection control, the Infection Control Team (ICT) plays a pivotal role in promptly detecting infections,　ensuring early treatment, and interrupting routes of infection. Simultaneously, it is imperative for all healthcare workers to possess a comprehensive understanding of basic infection prevention principles and diligently implement daily infection prevention measures, such as standard precautions and precautions tailored to specific infection routes.

• Hishinuma, N., & Komatsu, H. (Eds.). (2007). Questioning the basis of evidence-based nursing practice (2nd ed.). Nankodo.
• Japan Nursing Association. (2004). Guidebook on infection control (Rev. ed.).
  Retrieved from http://www.nurse.or.jp/nursing/practice/anzen/pdf/kansen_kaitei.pdf
• National Hospital Organization Osaka Medical Center Infection Control Committee, & ICHG Study Group (Eds.). (2006). New nosocomial infection prevention handbook. Nankodo.