Table 5 Reoccurring themes (n ≥ 2): IPC programme challenges and facilitators in discussions in DRC and BF, 2021–2022^§

CC 1: IPC Programme

 Personnel attitudes are a barrier (including misperceptions or lack of awareness and commitment)

7

 Limited resources are a barrier (including human resources)

4

 Organizational issues and unclear responsibilities are a barrier

4

 Ministry of Health guideline alignment**

1

CC 2: IPC Guidelines

 Insufficient available protocols and procedures and resulting implementation are barriers

2

 Insufficient involvement of and communication between actors are barriers

2

CC 3: IPC Education and Training

 NA (No reoccurring themes identified)

-

CC 4: HAI Surveillance

 Limited resources for surveillance are a barrier

4

 Insufficient data collection and reporting are barriers

2

CC 5 Multimodal strategies

 Attitudes towards and knowledge of multimodal strategies are barriers

3

 Limited resources for multimodal strategies are a barrier

2

CC 6 Monitoring, audits of IPC practices and feedback

 Lack of training, audit programmes and resulting feedback

3

CC 7 Workload, staffing and bed occupancy

 Organizational issues are a barrier

4

 Limited resources for staffing and bed occupancy are a barrier

2

CC 8 Built environment, materials and equipment for IPC at the facility level

 Limited resources for built environment are a barrier

17

 Reliable access to water is essential

5