Infection control protocols often prioritize which aspect of patient care?

Infection control protocols focus primarily on preventing the spread of infections because safeguarding both patients and healthcare workers from infectious agents is critical in any healthcare setting. Effective infection control measures include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper sterilization of medical equipment, and adherence to isolation precautions when necessary. These practices aim to minimize the likelihood of healthcare-associated infections, thereby enhancing patient safety and improving health outcomes.

Other aspects of patient care, while important, do not take precedence in the context of infection control. For example, minimum intervention may lead to higher risk if proper precautions are not taken, and while preserving patient privacy is vital, it is a separate consideration that does not directly relate to infectious disease prevention. Similarly, reducing costs can be important for healthcare management but should never compromise the fundamental goal of preventing infections, which is paramount in maintaining a safe healthcare environment.