When should hand hygiene be performed in a healthcare setting?

Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection control in healthcare settings. It should be performed before and after patient contact, as well as after handling potentially contaminated materials. This practice helps to minimize the risk of transmitting pathogens between patients and healthcare providers, and it prevents the spread of infections within healthcare facilities.

Performing hand hygiene before patient contact ensures that any potential pathogens on the healthcare provider's hands do not get transferred to the patient. Likewise, washing hands after patient contact helps to remove any pathogens that may have been acquired during that interaction. Additionally, hand hygiene after handling materials that are potentially contaminated—such as dressings, medical instruments, or other items—further reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

In contrast, restricting hand hygiene to only switching patients, waiting until the end of the shift, or after lunch does not adequately safeguard against the transmission of infections during patient interactions or while working with contaminated items throughout the day. Thus, the practice outlined in the correct answer is essential for promoting safety and maintaining health in clinical settings.