COPE Health Scholar Patient Care Practice Exam

Not following proper hand hygiene in healthcare significantly increases the risk of infection transmission. Hand hygiene is a vital practice that helps eliminate the presence of pathogens on healthcare professionals' hands, which can otherwise easily transfer to patients or contaminate surfaces and medical equipment. The failure to consistently clean hands can lead to the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can seriously impact patient outcomes and contribute to increased morbidity and mortality rates.

Effective hand hygiene practices, such as washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, serve as the first line of defense against these infections. When these practices are neglected, the consequences can be severe, leading to outbreaks of infections within healthcare settings, lengthier hospital stays for patients, and additional healthcare interventions required for treatment. Therefore, maintaining strict hand hygiene protocols is essential for the safety and well-being of patients in healthcare environments.