Which of the following best describes the goal of infection control in healthcare settings?

The goal of infection control in healthcare settings is primarily focused on minimizing the transmission of infections. This objective is critical to protecting patients, healthcare workers, and visitors from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can result from various sources, including contaminated hands, instruments, and the environment. Effective infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, sterilization of equipment, and proper isolation protocols, are implemented to reduce the risk of these infections spreading within healthcare facilities.

Increasing the length of hospital stays does not align with infection control goals; in fact, one of the aims is often to help patients recover as quickly and safely as possible while minimizing complications. Ensuring equal access to surgeries is important in healthcare ethics and patient care, but it is not directly related to controlling infections. Preventing patients from leaving the hospital is contrary to the essence of patient-centered care, as the focus should be on their safe discharge when appropriate, rather than restricting their movement. Thus, the primary objective remains the reduction of infection transmission, which is vital for patient safety and overall health outcomes in healthcare environments.