What is an important aspect of proper infection control practices in healthcare facilities?

Regular audits of cleaning protocols are a crucial aspect of infection control practices in healthcare facilities because they ensure that the established cleanliness standards are being adhered to consistently. These audits help identify gaps or lapses in the cleaning processes that could contribute to the risk of infection transmission. By systematically reviewing the cleaning protocols, healthcare facilities can maintain a high level of hygiene and effectiveness in their infection prevention efforts. This practice also allows for ongoing staff education and improvement in techniques used for cleaning and disinfection, directly contributing to patient safety and reducing healthcare-associated infections.

While other practices such as changing staff uniforms, annual training, and patient care planning are important, they do not specifically address the direct impact of environmental cleanliness on controlling infections in the same manner that regular audits do.