What is an essential practice to prevent infection spread in healthcare settings?

Proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces is essential in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings because contaminated surfaces can serve as reservoirs for pathogens. These pathogens can transfer to healthcare workers' hands, instruments, and eventually to patients, leading to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Thorough cleaning reduces the numbers of microorganisms, and disinfection further eliminates or inactivates microorganisms that reside on surfaces. This practice is critical in areas such as operating rooms, patient rooms, and common surfaces like doorknobs and countertops, where patients or staff frequently come into contact with. Implementing an effective cleaning and disinfection protocol is a cornerstone of infection control strategies and is supported by guidelines from health authorities.

While wearing gloves, using antiseptics, and limiting patient visitation can contribute to infection control, they do not directly address the role that contaminated surfaces play in the transmission of infections. Therefore, consistent and proper attention to surface cleaning and disinfection remains a primary strategy in infection prevention efforts.