What is the best method to prevent infection in a hospitalized patient?

Proper hand hygiene is recognized as the most effective method to prevent infection in a hospitalized patient. This practice significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens from healthcare workers to patients and among patients themselves. Hand hygiene involves washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which effectively removes or kills microorganisms that can cause infections.

Research supports that adherence to hand hygiene protocols leads to lower rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This simple yet crucial practice is fundamental in various healthcare settings, especially in hospitals where the risk of infection is heightened due to invasive procedures, open wounds, and patients with compromised immune systems.

While limiting visitor access can help reduce the risk of infection, it is not as effective on its own, as interactions with healthcare staff often pose a higher risk for pathogen transfer. Prophylactic antibiotic use can also carry risks, such as promoting antibiotic resistance and disrupting normal flora, and should be used judiciously rather than as a primary prevention method. Similarly, isolating all patients may not be feasible and can isolate patients from necessary support systems and care. Therefore, focusing on proper hand hygiene remains the cornerstone of infection prevention in healthcare environments.