What is meant by "infection control practices" in healthcare?

The term "infection control practices" in healthcare refers specifically to a set of procedures designed to prevent the spread of infections. These practices are critical in healthcare settings as they protect patients, healthcare workers, and visitors from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). They encompass a broad range of measures, including hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper waste disposal, and the sterilization of medical instruments and environments.

Effective infection control practices are grounded in principles of microbiology and epidemiology, which guide healthcare professionals in recognizing potential sources of infection and implementing interventions to minimize risk. This proactive approach is vital for maintaining patient safety and ensuring a high quality of care.

The other choices do not align with the core definition of infection control practices. While promoting patient preference and enhancing employee satisfaction are important facets of healthcare, they do not directly address the control of infections. Likewise, while sterilization of equipment is an important aspect of infection control, it is just one piece of the broader framework designed to prevent infection transmission.