What is the main goal of infection control in healthcare settings?

The primary goal of infection control in healthcare settings is to protect against exposure to disease-causing organisms. This involves implementing various practices and protocols designed to minimize the risk of transmission of infections within healthcare facilities. Such measures are crucial in safeguarding the health of patients, healthcare workers, and visitors alike.

Effective infection control strategies may include the use of personal protective equipment, proper hand hygiene, sterilization of instruments, environmental cleaning, and isolation of infected patients. By concentrating on reducing the incidence of infections, healthcare facilities can improve overall patient outcomes, prevent outbreaks, and ensure a safer environment for everyone involved.

While the other options relate to various aspects of healthcare, they do not encapsulate the central purpose of infection control. Increasing antibiotic use may manage infections but does not directly relate to preventing their transmission. Promoting patient satisfaction is important in healthcare, but it's a broader concept that encompasses various elements beyond just infection control. Similarly, reducing healthcare costs is a significant consideration, but it is often a byproduct of effective infection control rather than its primary goal.