What is a key benefit of increasing compliance with hand hygiene practices?

Increasing compliance with hand hygiene practices is critically important because it directly contributes to reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings. By ensuring that healthcare providers consistently perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact, the risk of spreading infectious agents is significantly diminished. As a result, patients are less likely to develop infections that can lead to complications, longer hospital stays, or even increased mortality.

While other potential benefits may arise as a secondary effect of improved hand hygiene practices—such as decreased workload for providers, shorter hospital stays, or reduced medication costs—the primary and most direct impact of increased hand hygiene compliance is the reduction in HAIs. This is fundamental to infection control practices, as preventing infections not only protects patients but also enhances overall health system efficiency and resource utilization.