Role of Family Physicians in Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections in Outpatient Settings: A Review

Abstract

Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) in outpatient settings are an increasing yet underrecognized threat to global health systems. Unlike hospital-based infections, outpatient HAIs are less systematically monitored, more diffuse, and often embedded within routine primary care interactions. This review explores the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and prevention strategies of HAIs in outpatient care, with a particular focus on the pivotal role of family physicians. A semi systematic narrative review approach was used, drawing evidence from major databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The findings highlight that common outpatient HAIs include respiratory, skin, and device related infections, largely driven by contact, droplet, and environmental transmission within clinical settings. Family physicians play a central role in infection prevention through early detection, patient education, antimicrobial stewardship, vaccination, and implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. Despite their critical role, significant barriers persist, including limited resources, inadequate training, inconsistent guideline implementation, weak surveillance systems, and patient related challenges. The review also emphasizes lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the importance of telemedicine, triage systems, and strengthened IPC protocols.