What key infection control measure should be taken before and after patient procedures?

Thorough hand hygiene practices are essential before and after patient procedures because they significantly reduce the risk of transmitting infections. Hand hygiene helps eliminate pathogens that may be present on healthcare providers' hands, which can facilitate the spread of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs). Effective handwashing or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers effectively removes or kills microorganisms, thus protecting both patients and healthcare workers.

Implementing rigorous hand hygiene protocols before procedures helps ensure that the hands are clean when they touch the patient or any medical equipment, while performing hand hygiene afterward minimizes the risk of spreading contaminants to other patients or surfaces in the healthcare environment. This practice is a foundational aspect of infection prevention and is supported by guidelines from health organizations globally.