What is a key practice in infection control during patient care?

Hand hygiene before and after contact with patients is a fundamental practice in infection control. This practice significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens and plays a critical role in protecting both patients and healthcare workers from infections. Proper hand hygiene includes washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which effectively eliminates or reduces dangerous microorganisms that can cause infections.

Infection control relies heavily on preventing the spread of germs, particularly in healthcare settings where individuals may be more vulnerable due to underlying health conditions or medical procedures. Hand hygiene is recommended by global health organizations and is a cornerstone of practices aimed at minimizing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). By ensuring that healthcare workers consistently and effectively practice hand hygiene, the risk of cross-contamination and infection spread is greatly reduced, contributing to overall patient safety and health outcomes.