What is the importance of hand hygiene in infection control?

Hand hygiene is a crucial practice in infection control because it significantly reduces the spread of infections. The hands are primary carriers of pathogens, and proper handwashing or sanitizing can effectively eliminate harmful microorganisms before they can be transferred to patients or surfaces. This is particularly important in healthcare settings where the risk of infection is heightened, as it helps protect both patients and healthcare workers.

While wearing gloves does provide a barrier, it does not replace the importance of hand hygiene, as gloves can become contaminated and may give a false sense of security. Additionally, hand hygiene is essential not only in surgical settings but also in all healthcare interactions, including non-invasive procedures. Therefore, hand hygiene should be practiced universally and consistently to maximize infection prevention efforts.