Which of the following strategies can enhance infection control in healthcare settings?

Practicing proper hand hygiene is a fundamental strategy that significantly enhances infection control in healthcare settings. Proper hand hygiene involves thoroughly washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, which helps remove pathogens that can cause infections. It is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases, particularly in environments where patients are vulnerable to infections due to compromised immune systems.

Infection control relies heavily on the actions of healthcare workers to break the chain of infection, and effective hand hygiene is one of the simplest yet most effective methods to accomplish this. By implementing and practicing standardized hand hygiene protocols, healthcare facilities can reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), safeguarding both patients and staff.

The other strategies mentioned do not contribute to infection control. Frequent equipment sharing can lead to the transmission of pathogens, while minimizing staff training can decrease awareness of proper infection control practices. Using unsterilized instruments poses a significant risk of introducing infections to patients, making these alternatives counterproductive to maintaining a safe healthcare environment.