What is the most effective way to prevent hospital-acquired infections?

Hand hygiene is recognized as the most effective way to prevent hospital-acquired infections because it directly impacts the transmission of pathogens that cause these infections. By thoroughly washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, healthcare workers, patients, and visitors can significantly reduce the number of germs they carry. This practice is essential in breaking the chain of infection, especially in a hospital setting where the risk of spreading harmful bacteria and viruses is elevated due to the close proximity of patients and the presence of invasive devices (like catheters and ventilators) that can introduce pathogens into sterile areas.

While the other options play a role in infection prevention, they do not address the root cause as effectively as hand hygiene. For instance, using antibiotics selectively helps prevent antibiotic resistance but doesn’t directly prevent infection spread. Isolating all patients may not be practical or necessary for every situation, and limiting visitors can be disruptive and may not significantly reduce infection rates. Consequently, promoting proper hand hygiene stands out as a fundamental and straightforward method to protect patients and enhance overall safety in healthcare environments.