How often should hand hygiene be performed in healthcare settings?

Hand hygiene is a critical practice in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections. It is imperative to perform hand hygiene before and after every patient contact as well as after touching potentially contaminated surfaces. This practice significantly reduces the risk of spreading pathogens that can lead to healthcare-associated infections.

Performing hand hygiene at these times ensures that any bacteria or viruses that could have been transferred from one patient or surface to another are effectively removed. This is particularly vital in environments where patients may be vulnerable to infections, such as hospitals or clinics. Additionally, the routine nature of this practice fosters a culture of safety and compliance among healthcare workers.

In contrast, limiting hand hygiene to only certain occasions, such as before eating or during outbreaks, doesn't provide adequate protection against the multitude of ways infections can be transmitted in healthcare environments. Regular and thorough hand hygiene is essential regardless of specific circumstances or times, illustrating why the practice highlighted in the correct response is fundamental to infection control.