What is the most effective method to decrease nosocomial infection rates?

Hand washing is recognized as the most effective method to decrease nosocomial infection rates. This practice significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings, effectively breaking the chain of infection. Hand hygiene removes dirt, organic matter, and pathogens from the hands, which is particularly crucial in a hospital environment where patients are more susceptible to infections.

Despite the importance of sterile technique, the appropriate use of antibiotics, and the utilization of personal protective equipment, these measures cannot substitute for proper hand hygiene. Sterile technique is pivotal in certain procedures, but without regular hand washing, the risk of contamination increases. While antibiotics can treat infections, they do not prevent them; indiscriminate use can also contribute to antibiotic resistance. Personal protective equipment protects healthcare workers and patients but is ineffective unless combined with thorough hand washing. Therefore, maintaining hand hygiene stands as the cornerstone of infection control in healthcare.