Which factor increases the risk of infection in healthcare settings?

Invasive procedures are a significant factor that increases the risk of infection in healthcare settings. These procedures, which include surgeries, catheter insertions, and any techniques that breach the skin or mucosal barriers, create direct pathways for pathogens to enter the body. The introduction of foreign objects into the body can compromise the natural barriers that typically protect against infections.

Additionally, invasive procedures often involve environments where skin flora are disturbed, creating opportunities for opportunistic infections, particularly in patients with compromised immune systems or underlying health issues. The frequency of these procedures and the level of sterility maintained during them are critical factors in controlling infection risk; thus, adhering to stringent infection control protocols during such procedures is essential.

In contrast, proper hand hygiene and the use of gloves are fundamental practices designed to reduce the transmission of infections. While declining patient mobility may contribute to other healthcare challenges, it is not primarily a direct factor in increasing infection risk, especially compared to the direct impacts of invasive procedures.