Which practice is associated with improving hand hygiene compliance?

Educating healthcare staff is a foundational practice that significantly enhances hand hygiene compliance within healthcare settings. This approach ensures that healthcare professionals are aware of the critical role that hand hygiene plays in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). By providing education, staff members learn the proper techniques for handwashing, the appropriate moments to perform hand hygiene (such as before and after patient contact), and the effectiveness of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Education fosters a culture of safety, empowering healthcare workers to prioritize hygiene practices. When staff are well-informed about the implications of poor hand hygiene and equipped with the knowledge to perform it correctly, they are more likely to adhere to recommended protocols. Training sessions, workshops, and continuous reminders can create an environment where hand hygiene becomes an institutional norm, leading to sustained compliance and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The other options, while potentially related to hand hygiene, do not directly address the core need for improving compliance. Stricter patient policies may enforce hygiene practices but do not ensure that staff understand or commit to the practices themselves. Reducing healthcare staff numbers could lead to increased workload and decreased oversight, negatively impacting compliance rates. Likewise, limiting access to restrooms could hinder opportunities for handwashing rather than support it. Thus, education stands out as the most