Which safety practice should a PCT follow during treatment?

The importance of ensuring proper handwashing and glove changes before and after procedures is critical for maintaining infection control and patient safety in a healthcare setting. This practice helps to mitigate the risk of cross-contamination between patients and healthcare providers, which is essential in preventing the spread of infections, particularly in environments where patients may have weakened immune systems or are undergoing invasive procedures. Hand hygiene is considered one of the most effective ways to reduce the transmission of pathogens.

By adhering to this safety practice, Patient Care Technicians promote a safe and clean environment for both themselves and their patients, reinforcing a culture of safety within the healthcare team. It embodies the principles of standard precautions, which are vital in any patient care situation to protect both the patient and the technician from infectious agents.

Other practices, such as using any type of gloves indiscriminately or skipping hand hygiene, can lead to increased risks of infection and undermine the overall safety protocols that are foundational in patient care environments. Always wearing gloves only when requested by a patient fails to recognize the importance of proactive safety measures in healthcare.