Which of the following contributes significantly to reducing transmission of healthcare-associated infections?

Frequent hand hygiene compliance plays a crucial role in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Hand hygiene is the most effective practice to reduce the transmission of pathogens within healthcare settings. It interrupts the chain of infection by significantly decreasing the microbial load on healthcare workers' hands, which can otherwise act as vectors for harmful organisms.

Research shows that proper handwashing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can effectively eliminate or reduce the pathogens that contribute to HAIs. Consistent adherence to hand hygiene guidelines helps protect both patients and healthcare personnel from infections that could arise from contaminated hands, thereby enhancing overall patient safety and quality of healthcare.

Other options, while they may have some relevance to infection control, do not address the immediate and proven impact of hand hygiene as directly and effectively as consistent hand hygiene practices do.