Which practice is essential for infection control during patient care?

Washing hands before and after patient contact is central to infection control as it significantly reduces the risk of transmitting pathogens between healthcare providers and patients. This practice interrupts the chain of infection, which is crucial in both preventing healthcare-associated infections and protecting vulnerable patients.

Hand hygiene is recognized as one of the most effective measures for controlling the spread of infections in healthcare settings. It not only protects patients from potential infections but also safeguards healthcare workers themselves. Regular handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer when hands are not visibly soiled ensures that any residual microbes are eliminated, thereby enhancing overall safety in the patient care environment.

While the other practices mentioned contribute to patient safety and care quality, hand hygiene remains the cornerstone of infection control protocols. Using gloves, for instance, is important for specific procedures but does not replace the necessity of handwashing. Confidentiality and minimizing patient movement have their roles in patient care but are not directly related to infection prevention. Thus, the emphasis on hand hygiene reflects its paramount importance in maintaining a clean and safe healthcare practice.