What is the primary goal of infection control practices?

The primary goal of infection control practices is to prevent the transmission of pathogens. This focus is fundamental to safeguarding the health of patients, healthcare workers, and the community at large. Infection control measures include strategies such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment, sterilization of instruments, and isolation procedures for infected patients. These practices are essential to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can lead to severe complications, extended hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and even death.

The emphasis on reducing the spread of pathogens ensures that healthcare environments remain safe and that patient care can proceed without the additional burden of infection outbreaks. In contrast, other goals like enhancing operational efficiency or increasing hospital revenue, while important, are secondary to the imperative of protecting individuals from infection.