What is the most important infection-control measure?

Hand hygiene is the single most important intervention to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). CDC guidelines specify when to perform hand hygiene: before patient contact, before aseptic procedures, after body fluid exposure risk, after patient contact, and after contact with patient surroundings (the 'Five Moments' from WHO). Alcohol-based hand rubs are preferred for routine hand hygiene; soap and water is required when hands are visibly soiled or after caring for clients with C. difficile (the spores resist alcohol). Hand hygiene is more important than glove use — gloves are an addition, not a substitute. Hands must be cleaned before donning gloves and after removing them. Despite being simple and effective, hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers is often poor (around 40-60%), making education and observation critical. Nurses model hand hygiene for other staff.