What can be a consequence of improper hand hygiene in healthcare settings?

Improper hand hygiene in healthcare settings leads to an increased risk of infections because contaminated hands are a primary vehicle for transmitting pathogens. Healthcare environments are particularly vulnerable to the spread of infections due to the proximity of patients, many of whom have weakened immune systems. When healthcare workers do not practice effective hand hygiene, they can easily transfer pathogens from one patient to another, from surfaces to patients, or even to themselves. This can result in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can complicate patient recovery, lead to longer hospital stays, and increase healthcare costs. Therefore, maintaining proper hand hygiene is crucial to ensuring patient safety and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.