What is the primary goal of hand hygiene in a surgical environment?

The primary goal of hand hygiene in a surgical environment is to reduce the risk of infection. Surgical procedures often involve invasive techniques that expose patients to potential pathogens, making infection control critical. Proper hand hygiene, which includes thorough washing with soap and water or using antiseptic hand rubs, effectively removes contaminants and reduces the microbial load on the skin. This practice is essential in preventing surgical site infections, which can lead to complications, prolonged hospital stays, or even further medical interventions.

While maintaining a sterile environment is important, hand hygiene specifically targets the reduction of pathogens to ensure that the risk of infection is minimized before, during, and after surgical procedures. It is a fundamental practice that supports patient safety by creating a clean surgical field, but its main purpose centers on infection prevention rather than comfort or process efficiency.