What is the purpose of an infection control risk assessment?

The purpose of an infection control risk assessment is to identify potential infection risks within a healthcare setting. This proactive measure allows healthcare facilities to analyze the specific vulnerabilities and threats related to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) that might impact patient safety and staff health.

By identifying these risks, healthcare organizations can implement targeted interventions and protocols aimed at mitigating the chances of infection transmission. This includes evaluating processes, environmental factors, and practices that may contribute to the spread of pathogens. Consequently, this assessment supports the development of effective infection control strategies and helps ensure a safer environment for patients and healthcare workers alike, ultimately improving overall clinical outcomes.

The other choices do not directly align with the primary goal of an infection control risk assessment. While increasing patient throughput and reducing hospital costs are certainly important operational objectives, they are not the main focus of infection control assessments. Similarly, determining staff schedules, while essential for operational efficiency, does not relate to assessing or managing infection risks within the facility.