Which infection prevention practice is most effective in preventing the transmission of pathogens?

Hand hygiene is the most effective infection prevention practice in preventing the transmission of pathogens because it directly targets the primary mode of pathogen spread: contact. Proper hand-washing and sanitizing techniques remove microorganisms from the skin, significantly reducing the risk of transferring pathogens from one surface or person to another. The practice involves using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers, both of which have been shown in numerous studies to be highly effective in killing various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses.

This effectiveness is further emphasized in healthcare settings, where the majority of infections can be traced back to contaminated hands. By prioritizing hand hygiene, healthcare workers and individuals can protect themselves and their patients or community members from infections.

While wearing masks, using antiseptics, and surface disinfection are all important components of infection control, they do not offer the same level of direct protection against the transmission of pathogens through contact as hand hygiene does. Masks primarily serve to prevent respiratory droplet transmission, antiseptics are useful for skin preparation but not as a substitute for hand washing, and while surface disinfection is vital, it doesn’t address the transmission that occurs through hand contact as effectively as hand hygiene does.