What does infection control aim to achieve?

Infection control primarily aims to prevent the spread of pathogens within healthcare settings. This involves implementing measures to minimize the risk of transmitting infectious agents between patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. Effective infection control strategies, such as proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and rigorous cleaning protocols, contribute to lowering infection rates and enhancing patient safety.

While maximizing patient comfort, speeding up recovery times, and reducing healthcare costs are important goals in their own right, they are often secondary benefits that arise from successful infection control practices. For instance, when infection control measures are effective, the likelihood of healthcare-associated infections decreases, which in turn can lead to a faster recovery for patients. Additionally, lower infection rates can contribute to reduced healthcare costs by minimizing the need for extended hospital stays or additional medical interventions. Thus, the primary focus of infection control is the prevention of pathogen spread, solidifying its essential role in maintaining a safe healthcare environment.