Which infection prevention practice should be prioritized?

Handwashing before and after patient contact is prioritized as the most critical infection prevention practice because it directly minimizes the transmission of pathogens. This fundamental practice is essential in healthcare settings where the risk of spreading infections is high. Hand hygiene significantly reduces the likelihood of cross-contamination between healthcare providers, patients, and the environment.

Infection control guidelines emphasize that effective handwashing can eliminate a large percentage of harmful microorganisms that can lead to healthcare-associated infections. This practice is particularly important because the hands can easily transfer bacteria and viruses even after gloves have been used. Therefore, consistent hand hygiene is a cornerstone of infection prevention strategies, making it the priority over other practices listed.