Which practice helps prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings?

Washing hands regularly is a critical practice in preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings. This practice effectively removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses from the hands, significantly decreasing the chance of transmitting pathogens between patients, healthcare workers, and the surrounding environment. Hand hygiene is an essential infection control measure advocated by various health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In healthcare environments, infectious agents can be easily spread through direct contact with patients or contaminated surfaces, and proper handwashing is the first line of defense against this. It is emphasized both before and after patient interactions, as well as after contact with bodily fluids or contaminated objects.

Other practices mentioned may not provide the same level of protection against infections. For instance, keeping windows open could improve ventilation but does not directly address the transmission of germs. Wearing jewelry can increase the risk of harboring bacteria, as it may interfere with effective handwashing. Additionally, using the same gloves for multiple tasks increases the risk of cross-contamination, which is counterproductive to infection control efforts.