Infection control in schools for learners with spina bifida: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Despite the widespread prevalence of spina bifida and its impact on individual learners, there is limited information on how infection control is managed in the school environment. Objective: This scoping review was conducted to map the evidence on infection control programmes at schools for learners with spina bifida (LSB) globally. Methods: This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for the scoping review. A database search was conducted on an internet browser search on MEDLINE, PUBMED, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, ERIC and Google search engines. Results: A total of five articles met the inclusion criteria. Most of the schools in the study did not have special facilities or running water to accommodate basic infection control procedures. Conclusion: Collaboration between policymakers, specialists of spina bifida and infection control in the health sector, the Association of Spina Bifida, specialists in spina bifida under the Department of Education and researchers is needed to improve the lives of LSB through infection control. Contribution: The study will contribute to the improvement of training of staff working with LSB and the need for more research.

Keywords

• spina bifida
• learners
• schools
• infection control programme
• guidelines.