Which method is effective in reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections?

The effective method in reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections is the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This plays a crucial role in safeguarding both healthcare workers and patients from potential infections. PPE, such as gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, serves as a barrier against pathogens that can be transmitted through direct contact, respiratory droplets, or body fluids.

When used correctly, PPE helps prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings by ensuring that staff do not introduce or spread pathogens from one patient to another. Additionally, it protects healthcare workers from exposure to infectious materials, thereby enhancing overall safety in the environment.

In contrast, limited hand washing fails to adequately reduce the transmission of infections, as hand hygiene is a foundational practice in infection control. Overlooking infection control protocols would disregard essential measures necessary for maintaining a sterile environment. Lastly, using shared medical instruments increases the risk of pathogen transmission, which is counterproductive to the goal of preventing hospital-acquired infections. Therefore, the proper application of PPE is vital in maintaining a safe healthcare environment and minimizing infection risks.