Which of the following statements about infection control is correct for healthcare staff?

The statement that healthcare staff must wash hands before caring for each patient is correct because hand hygiene is a fundamental practice in infection control. Washing hands significantly reduces the risk of transmitting infections, including healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Proper handwashing removes dirt, pathogens, and organic material, which can easily transfer from one patient to another if healthcare workers do not maintain this standard.

This practice is crucial not only to protect patients but also to safeguard the healthcare workers themselves and the broader community. While hand sanitizers are effective against many types of pathogens, they may not eliminate all germs, and thus handwashing remains the gold standard in many scenarios. Infection control protocols are compulsory in all situations, not optional, as they help maintain a safe environment for both patients and staff. Additionally, wearing the same gloves for multiple patients can contribute to cross-contamination, undermining the purpose of using personal protective equipment.