What is the main purpose of hand hygiene protocols in healthcare settings?

The primary purpose of hand hygiene protocols in healthcare settings is to minimize the risk of pathogen transmission. Healthcare providers come into contact with various infectious agents throughout their daily activities, and proper hand hygiene is a critical preventative measure. By thoroughly washing hands with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, healthcare professionals can significantly reduce the number of pathogens on their hands, thereby lowering the likelihood of spreading infections to patients and other staff.

This practice is especially vital in preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), which can have severe consequences for patient health and recovery. Effective hand hygiene protocols are foundational to infection control efforts, serving to protect both patients and healthcare providers from the risk of infection. Other benefits of hand hygiene may include improved patient outcomes and enhanced overall quality of care, but these are secondary to its essential role in reducing pathogen transmission.