A review of BSC and KPI frameworks in assessing the strategic performance of microbial infection control: an interdisciplinary approach from molecular biology of bacteria and human resource management in healthcare organizations

Managing and controlling microbial infections within healthcare systems is a complex, dynamic, and multidimensional challenge that requires coordinated action across clinical, managerial, and technological domains. Effective infection control depends not only on advanced scientific understanding but also on the integration of problem-solving skills, optimized human resource allocation, and the strategic alignment of organizational goals. The Balanced Scorecard (BSC), with its four pillars financial performance, patient outcomes, internal processes, and growth and learning provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating strategic performance in healthcare settings. As one of the most widely adopted management tools, the BSC plays a critical role in identifying, addressing, and bridging human resource gaps that significantly influence infection control outcomes. In the context of infection management, continuous assessment and refinement of key performance indicators (KPIs) ensure that healthcare organizations can adapt to emerging threats and maintain high standards of patient safety. Integrated human care, grounded in human-centered planning and continuous monitoring, strengthens the connection between clinical practice and organizational strategy. This integrated approach supports both the improvement of caregiving quality and the enhancement of safety protocols. Moreover, incorporating both human and advanced molecular indicators particularly those associated with the spectrum of antibiotic resistance enables more precise monitoring and timely interventions. Such strategies increase workforce effectiveness, improve organizational resilience, and reduce vulnerabilities caused by human resource shortages in infection control units. Ultimately, a balanced, strategically aligned management model ensures a more responsive, efficient, and sustainable framework for combating microbial infections in modern healthcare systems

کلیدواژه ها:

Balanced Scorecard ، Key Performance Indicators ، microbial infection control ، molecular microbiology ، human resource management