What measure should be prioritized in response to an increase in hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)?

Frequent and thorough hand washing is paramount in controlling and preventing the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Hand hygiene is the most effective measure to eliminate pathogens that can be transmitted through direct patient contact or contaminated surfaces. By ensuring that healthcare workers routinely wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, the risk of transferring harmful microorganisms to patients is significantly reduced.

This practice helps maintain a safe healthcare environment and is recognized as a key factor in infection control protocols. The effectiveness of hand hygiene extends beyond just personal protection; it also contributes to the overall safety of patients receiving care in healthcare settings, thereby decreasing the incidence of HAIs.

Other measures, while important, do not replace the foundational role that hand hygiene plays in infection prevention. The use of gloves, for example, is beneficial but only if combined with proper hand hygiene before and after contact. Prophylactic antibiotics may be necessary in specific cases but depend on individual assessments, whereas the fitting and use of N95 masks primarily serve to protect against airborne pathogens, emphasizing that hand hygiene is a universally applicable and essential practice in reducing HAIs.