Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam

Hand hygiene non-compliance is a primary cause of infection spread in healthcare settings because it directly impacts the transmission of pathogens between healthcare workers and patients. When healthcare workers do not adhere to proper hand hygiene practices, they can carry infectious agents from one patient to another, or from contaminated surfaces to patients, significantly increasing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Maintaining effective hand hygiene is essential for interrupting the chain of infection. Proper handwashing or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers reduces the microbial load and minimizes the likelihood of pathogens being transferred during patient care. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize the importance of hand hygiene as a critical measure in infection control practices. Non-compliance suggests a lapse in this crucial defensive behavior, making it a significant contributor to the spread of infections in healthcare environments.