What is the primary goal of infection prevention practices?

The primary goal of infection prevention practices is to prevent the spread of infections. This is essential in both healthcare and community settings as it directly impacts patient safety and health outcomes. By implementing rigorous infection prevention measures such as hand hygiene, sterilization of equipment, and isolation protocols, healthcare facilities can significantly reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which are a major concern in medical environments.

While reducing healthcare costs, ensuring patient satisfaction, and improving staff efficiency are also important aspects of healthcare delivery, they are secondary to the fundamental objective of maintaining a safe environment free from the risks posed by infections. Protecting patients and staff by minimizing infection rates leads to better overall healthcare quality and enhanced trust in the healthcare system. Infection prevention is thus at the core of any effective healthcare practice, prioritizing patient health and safety above all else.