Which of the following best describes the expected outcome of effective infection prevention strategies?

The expected outcome of effective infection prevention strategies is a decreased transmission of viruses and bacteria. This result is fundamental to maintaining patient safety and quality of care in healthcare settings. By implementing measures such as hand hygiene, sterilization of instruments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper environmental cleaning, the likelihood of infectious agents spreading from one patient to another or from healthcare workers to patients is significantly reduced.

This outcome is critical for several reasons: it leads to lower rates of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), contributes to better overall health outcomes for patients, and promotes a safer environment for both patients and healthcare providers. When infection rates drop, this not only enhances patient recovery but can also contribute to more efficient use of hospital resources, as fewer complications mean fewer additional treatments and interventions are required.