The importance of comprehensive infection prevention and control programs (IPCPs) to prevent healthcare associated infection is well reported in the literature. What is not as well reported are the conceptual frameworks that guide the adoption of these comprehensive programs. By reporting the catalysts and processes associated with the successful adoption of IPCPs, a template for successful program implementation may be developed that will assist others in recognising such opportunities, thus enabling replication. This paper provides stimulus for such adoption and implementation. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to identify reports of comprehensive IPCP adoption and the conceptual frameworks used in the process. The review revealed an absence of relevant literature examining the adoption of comprehensive IPCP or associated conceptual frameworks. Only one published study demonstrated the Diffusion of Innovations framework, and is discussed in detail. The outcome of this literature review points to a clear need for more research into IPCP adoption. This is especially important as relevant literature would assist low-resourced healthcare settings in their adoption of comprehensive IPCPs.