How often should healthcare workers wash their hands when providing patient care?

Healthcare workers should wash their hands before and after each patient interaction to minimize the risk of infection transmission. This practice is a critical component of infection control and safety protocols in healthcare settings. Proper hand hygiene is essential because it helps eliminate pathogens that may be present on the healthcare worker’s hands, which can be transferred to patients and potentially lead to healthcare-associated infections.

Frequent handwashing, particularly before touching a patient and after any contact, significantly reduces the likelihood of spreading harmful microorganisms. This routine is vital in protecting both patients and healthcare workers, especially in environments where patients may have weakened immune systems or are undergoing invasive procedures.

While the other options may suggest some form of hand hygiene, they do not align with best practices in hand hygiene protocols. Handwashing at arbitrary times, such as just once a day or only when hands look visibly dirty, does not adequately safeguard against the transmission of pathogens. Regular handwashing throughout patient care interactions is crucial for maintaining safety and promoting overall patient health.