Enhancing Infection Prevention and Control Practices in Hospital Services

Abstract

Protecting patients and healthcare workers from infections is crucial in hospital settings, especially in areas where invasive procedures and shared equipment are common. The hospital environment, including diagnostic departments like radiology, poses increased risks for healthcare-associated infections due to frequent contact with high-touch surfaces and reusable medical devices. Effective infection control strategies include thorough environmental management, consistent hand hygiene, and comprehensive disinfection of equipment and surfaces. International health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, recommend measures like disinfecting high-touch surfaces, following sterilization protocols, and strictly adhering to hand hygiene practices to reduce infection transmission. New technologies, such as ultraviolet disinfection systems and antimicrobial coatings, have enhanced infection control efforts. Specialized frameworks for hospital services offer practical approaches to lowering infection rates. This review explores core principles, evidence-based methods, and innovations in infection prevention and control within hospital environments. By combining established practices with cutting-edge technologies, it demonstrates the potential for improving infection control protocols to create a safer healthcare setting for both patients and staff.