ObjectiveTo understand the current situation and development trend of  scientific research in healthcareassociated infection (HAI) management in China since 1986, and provide the basis for improving the research ability of HAI management. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted in 170 hospitals of 13 provinces and military systems in China through multistage stratified sampling method, surveyed content included publication of papers written by HAI management professionals, publication of HAIrelated books, application of scientific research projects and awards of scientific research. ResultsOf 170 hospitals, 63 were secondary hospitals, and 107 were tertiary hospitals. During the period of 1986-2015, the professionals of HAI management have published 2 596 papers, 2 555 were in Chinese, 41 were in English. 105 and 2 491 papers were written by professionals in secondary hospitals and tertiary hospitals respectively. The number of published papers written by professionals in tertiary hospitals increased significantly after 2011. In 1986-2015, a total of 68 books on HAI management were written by investigated hospitals, 35 (51.47%) of which were written in 2011-2015. A total of 217 HAIrelated research projects were applied in 1986-2015, 213 (98.16%) were applied by tertiary hospitals. Most research projects were applied after 2011, accounting for 57.60%(n=125).  ConclusionScientific research on HAI management in China  has entered a stage of rapid development,  more and more HAI professionals begin to engage in research work.