Breaking the Chain of Infection: Essential Infection Control Practices for All Healthcare Professionals
Published 2026-03-09
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Abstract
An approach designed by multiple disciplines that aims to halt the spread of infectious agents and save the patients and professionals working in the healthcare environments is called infection prevention and control (IPC). There is more IPC is needed now than ever given the healthcare associated infections (HAIs), antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and new infections arising in the world. Evidence based interventions, surveillance, education, environmental interventions, and a commitment to a culture of quality improvement are all aspects of IPC and help to eliminate infections. Infection control teams are not the only staff members responsible for infection prevention. Quality and safety in the healthcare environment is a responsibility of every clinician and member of the healthcare team. They all play a role in infection control, failure of which results in the infection of patients. This includes clinicians and support staff in every department from the pharmacy to the lab (Sartelli et al., 2024; WHO, 2024).