What is one effective method to reduce the spread of infections in a hospital?

Regularly monitoring hand hygiene practices is one of the most effective methods for reducing the spread of infections in a hospital setting. Hand hygiene is a critical infection control measure, as it directly affects the transmission of pathogens between healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. Ensuring that healthcare personnel consistently wash their hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers before and after patient contact significantly decreases the risk of cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections.

By regularly monitoring hand hygiene, hospitals can identify areas for improvement in compliance, provide necessary training, and reinforce the importance of this practice among staff. This ongoing oversight fosters a culture of safety and accountability, leading to better adherence to recommended guidelines and ultimately enhancing patient safety and outcomes.