Which of the following is a method for preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings?

Implementing strict hand hygiene practices is a fundamental method for preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings because it effectively eliminates pathogens that can be transmitted from one person to another. Hand hygiene, including hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, reduces the microbial load on the hands of healthcare workers, patients, and visitors. Since many healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are transmitted via contaminated hands, adhering to rigorous hand hygiene protocols is essential in breaking the chain of infection.

This practice is supported by extensive research showing that proper hand hygiene can significantly lower the incidence of infections in hospitals and clinics, ultimately improving patient outcomes and safety. In contrast, the other options do not effectively contribute to infection control in the same manner or may carry risks that can lead to increased transmission of pathogens.