Which infection control practice is least likely to prevent the spread of infections?

Relying solely on surgical masks is the least effective practice for preventing the spread of infections because while masks can provide a barrier against respiratory droplets, they do not address other significant modes of transmission. Infections can spread through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, and various other routes that masks alone cannot mitigate.

For instance, wearing gloves when caring for patients acts as a physical barrier that minimizes direct contact with patient bodily fluids and surfaces, thus reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Proper handwashing techniques are critical for removing pathogens from hands, preventing the transfer of infectious agents between individuals and surfaces. Offering disposable medical equipment helps to avoid the risk of infection transmission that can occur from reusing items that may not be adequately sterilized.

Therefore, while surgical masks can play a role in infection control, depending solely on them does not encompass the multi-faceted approach required to effectively prevent infection spread.