What is the most effective means of preventing nosocomial infections?

Hand hygiene is the most effective means of preventing nosocomial infections because it directly addresses the primary mode of transmission for pathogens within healthcare settings. By frequently washing hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, healthcare workers significantly reduce the likelihood of transferring infectious agents from one patient to another, as well as self-contamination. This practice minimizes the risk of bacteria and viruses spreading in clinical environments, which is vital in protecting both patients and healthcare professionals.

While equipment processing, isolation of infected persons, and disinfection of contaminated surfaces are all important infection control measures, they are often dependent on the adherence to proper hand hygiene practices. For instance, if healthcare workers do not practice effective hand hygiene, the thorough cleaning of equipment or surfaces may not be sufficient to prevent the transmission of infections. Therefore, although these other measures contribute to the overall infection control strategy, hand hygiene remains foundational in preventing the spread of nosocomial infections.