Whose responsibility is infection prevention in a healthcare setting?

Infection prevention in a healthcare setting is a shared responsibility among the entire care team. This includes healthcare providers, support staff, and even patients themselves. Each member of the team plays a crucial role in implementing infection control measures which may include hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, and following protocols for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.

Healthcare providers are trained to recognize the signs of infection and to implement strategies to minimize risk, such as maintaining sterile environments during procedures. Support staff, including nursing assistants, play a key role in patient care and must also adhere to infection control protocols to ensure the safety of patients. Additionally, patients are encouraged to understand their role in prevention, which may involve notifying staff about any signs of infection and practicing basic hygiene.

While the janitorial staff is vital for maintaining cleanliness and supporting infection control measures through regular cleaning and sanitizing, they alone cannot ensure complete infection prevention without the collaborative efforts of the entire care team.