What is the primary purpose of infection control in healthcare settings?

The primary purpose of infection control in healthcare settings is fundamentally to prevent the spread of infections and to protect both patient and healthcare worker safety. This involves implementing various strategies and practices that minimize the risk of transmission of pathogens, which can lead to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and compromise the wellbeing of patients and staff.

Effective infection control measures include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), isolation of infected individuals, and prudent management of medical equipment and environments to reduce contamination. The focus is not solely on the eradication of germs or the sterilization of all medical equipment but rather on creating a safe environment that reduces the likelihood of infection transmission.

Moreover, while managing healthcare-associated infections is an important aspect of infection control, the scope goes beyond just that; it encompasses a wide range of practices aimed at preventing infections in the first place. Ensuring complete eradication of germs in an environment is not practical or necessary, as not all microbes are harmful, and some are even beneficial. Therefore, the holistic approach of preventing the spread of infections aligns with the essence of infection control practice in healthcare settings.