Which method is crucial in preventing healthcare-associated infections?

Hand hygiene practices are essential in preventing healthcare-associated infections because they significantly reduce the transmission of pathogens between healthcare personnel, patients, and the environment. Effective hand hygiene, which includes proper handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, removes or reduces the presence of harmful microorganisms on the hands. This practice is particularly important in healthcare settings, where the risk of infection is higher due to invasive procedures, open wounds, and a higher concentration of susceptible patients.

By maintaining rigorous hand hygiene standards, healthcare workers can interrupt the chain of infection transmission, protecting both themselves and their patients. This method is widely supported by research and guidelines from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which emphasize the importance of handwashing as a primary line of defense against infections in healthcare environments.