What is the key practice for controlling infections in healthcare settings?

The key practice for controlling infections in healthcare settings is proper hand hygiene and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Hand hygiene is recognized as one of the most effective methods to prevent the transmission of pathogens. When healthcare workers wash their hands thoroughly and regularly, they significantly reduce the risk of spreading infections to themselves and their patients.

Using PPE is also critical in creating a barrier to prevent exposure to infectious agents. The appropriate use of gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection helps safeguard healthcare workers and patients from the transmission of infectious diseases, especially during procedures where exposure risk is higher.

While actions like using air purifiers, changing bed linens, and vacuuming floors contribute to a clean environment and can help reduce the overall microbial load, they are not as directly impactful in preventing the spread of infections as the consistent practice of hand hygiene and wearing PPE. These measures support infection control but are secondary to the foundational practice of proper hand hygiene and PPE use in effectively managing infection risks.