According to the quality rating criteria, what action is essential for infection prevention?

Employee hand hygiene practices are critical for infection prevention because hands are a primary vector for the transmission of pathogens. In healthcare settings, such as nursing care institutions, proper handwashing and sanitizing techniques help reduce the risk of spreading infections among residents, staff, and visitors. Ensuring that employees adhere to established hand hygiene protocols before and after patient contact, as well as after using the restroom or handling food, significantly enhances the overall safety and health of the facility.

While regular health screenings of staff, frequent visitor screenings, and monthly facility inspections all contribute to infection control and overall facility health, they do not directly prevent the transmission of infections in the same way that hand hygiene does. These practices are supportive measures, but they are dependent upon the fundamental routine of hand sanitation, which is a personal responsibility that every employee must uphold to create a safe environment for all.