What is one consequence of inadequate infection prevention measures in healthcare settings?

Inadequate infection prevention measures in healthcare settings directly lead to higher rates of healthcare-associated infections. When proper protocols such as hand hygiene, sterilization of equipment, and isolation of infected patients are not followed, pathogens can easily spread among patients and healthcare staff, resulting in increased infections such as surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections.

These infections not only affect patient health and outcomes but can also lead to prolonged hospital stays, additional treatments, and increased healthcare costs. This emphasizes the need for strict adherence to infection control practices in order to protect patients, enhance their recovery, and reduce the overall burden on healthcare systems.