What actions can improve patient safety during care?

Performing hand hygiene is a critical action that significantly improves patient safety during care. This practice helps to prevent the transmission of infections, which is one of the primary concerns in healthcare settings. When healthcare providers engage in proper handwashing techniques or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, they effectively reduce the risk of spreading pathogens that can lead to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This is particularly vital in environments where patients may have weakened immune systems or be exposed to invasive procedures.

While maintaining patient records, documenting therapy employed, and assessing healthcare costs are all important aspects of patient care, they do not directly address the immediate risks associated with infection control. Hand hygiene, on the other hand, is a simple yet crucial procedure that can have a substantial impact on the overall safety and well-being of patients. This is why hand hygiene practices are emphasized in medical guidelines and protocols as a foundational component of patient safety.