Which of the following is a common method to prevent infection in surgical settings?

Strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols is a fundamental method for preventing infections in surgical settings. Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens that can lead to surgical site infections (SSIs). Surgical environments require healthcare personnel to maintain an exceptionally clean environment, given the invasive nature of procedures and the high risk of infection.

Hand hygiene involves various practices, including handwashing with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and ensuring that surgical team members use gloves and change them appropriately. By adhering to these protocols before and during surgical procedures, the likelihood of contaminating sterile environments with potentially harmful microorganisms is minimized, thereby enhancing patient safety.

The other methods mentioned, while they may have their own relevance, do not directly establish as effective infection prevention strategies in the surgical context as hand hygiene does. For example, limiting visitor access might reduce potential exposure to pathogens, but it does not address the most critical vector for infection transmission, which involves the healthcare providers' hands. Minimizing the duration of surgeries may reduce exposure time, yet it cannot substitute for strict hygiene practices. Meanwhile, using less sterile packing for instruments would contravene safety protocols, increasing the risk of infections rather than reducing it.