What does effective hand hygiene help to prevent?

Effective hand hygiene is crucial in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). These infections can occur when pathogens are transmitted in healthcare settings due to inadequate hand cleanliness. Hand hygiene, which includes handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers, significantly reduces the presence of harmful microorganisms on healthcare providers' hands, thus lowering the risk of transferring infections to patients during care.

While effective hand hygiene can contribute indirectly to preventing other health issues, such as respiratory illnesses, and may positively impact patient satisfaction, its primary role is in controlling the spread of infections within healthcare environments. Patients are particularly vulnerable to HAIs due to their weakened immune systems, invasive procedures, and close contact with healthcare personnel, making hand hygiene a fundamental practice in infection control.

Prioritizing hand hygiene is a critical strategy in maintaining patient safety and reducing the incidence of infections acquired in healthcare settings.