What is the primary purpose of hand hygiene in a healthcare setting?

The primary purpose of hand hygiene in a healthcare setting is to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene is a critical practice that involves cleaning hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This practice effectively removes pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, that can cause healthcare-associated infections.

Implementing proper hand hygiene protocols significantly reduces the transmission of infectious agents between patients and healthcare providers, as well as among patients themselves. By minimizing the risk of infection, healthcare facilities can ensure safer environments for both staff and patients, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs associated with treating infections.

While improving patient comfort, saving time, and enhancing communication may have some relevance in specific contexts, they are secondary to the fundamental goal of infection prevention that hand hygiene addresses.