What action should be prioritized to provide effective infection control?

Performing hand hygiene is prioritized as the most effective action for infection control because it is a fundamental practice that significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens. Hand hygiene involves washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, effectively removing or inactivating infectious agents that can cause disease. This practice not only protects health care workers but also prevents the spread of infections to patients and within the clinical environment.

Infection control measures, while important, rely heavily on hand hygiene as the first line of defense against infection. It is essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which are a major concern in clinical settings. The practice is based on established guidelines and research that demonstrate hand hygiene's effectiveness in reducing infection rates.

While personal protective equipment, isolating infected patients, and using antibiotics are all critical components of infection control, they are most effective when combined with proper hand hygiene. Without adequate hand hygiene, even the best protective measures may fail in preventing the spread of infection.