What is the primary focus of infection control?

The primary focus of infection control is to promote a clean healthcare environment. This is crucial for preventing the transmission of infections within healthcare settings. By ensuring that surfaces, equipment, and hands are clean and free from pathogens, the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can be significantly reduced. Infection control practices include regular cleaning and disinfection, proper sterilization of instruments, adherence to hand hygiene protocols, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

While improving hospital architecture can enhance infection control measures, the essential aim remains the promotion of cleanliness and a safe environment for both patients and healthcare workers. Maximizing patient throughput and ensuring staff are well-paid are important for healthcare operation, but they do not directly address the core goal of infection control practices, which is to maintain a safe and hygienic setting to minimize the risk of infections.