Which of the following is a key practice in infection control related to patient care?

Hand hygiene compliance is a crucial practice in infection control related to patient care because it significantly reduces the risk of transmitting infections within healthcare settings. Proper hand hygiene includes regular washing of hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers to eliminate microorganisms that can cause infections. This practice is vital before and after patient interactions, after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, and before handling food or medications.

The significance of hand hygiene extends to protecting both healthcare providers and patients from potential infections, particularly in environments where individuals may have compromised immune systems. By maintaining high standards of hand hygiene, healthcare providers contribute to overall patient safety and the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can lead to serious adverse outcomes.